defame

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb defame differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of defame are asperse, calumniate, malign, slander, traduce, and vilify. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When could asperse be used to replace defame?

In some situations, the words asperse and defame are roughly equivalent. However, asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When is it sensible to use calumniate instead of defame?

While the synonyms calumniate and defame are close in meaning, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

Where would malign be a reasonable alternative to defame?

Although the words malign and defame have much in common, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

In what contexts can slander take the place of defame?

The meanings of slander and defame largely overlap; however, slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

When can traduce be used instead of defame?

The words traduce and defame are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

When would vilify be a good substitute for defame?

The words vilify and defame can be used in similar contexts, but vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defame The suit says Coomer was defamed by Lindell and suffered severe emotional and physical distress as a result. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 2 June 2025 Laura Boulton, a former Timberline High School math teacher, filed claims against both school districts in May for allegedly defaming her during her application process. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 11 June 2025 One: Stories in the media were defaming our community — especially gay men. Matt Alderton, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Nicklaus argues that Nicklaus Companies defamed him by claiming Milstein and company officials saved him from moving forward with Golf Saudi. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for defame
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defame
Verb
  • In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized.
    George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In the 2022 case, Ruffer is accused of calling his Arab neighbor a terrorist and threatening to kill both the neighbor and the man's dog, according to KTRK.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 20 June 2025
  • Boelter's also accused of shooting and seriously wounding Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, inside their Champlin home about 90 minutes earlier.
    Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • In extreme cases, some parents will threaten to smear the therapist's name, leave bad reviews, complain to the licensing board, or even threaten the therapist’s physical safety.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 June 2025
  • The assertion by certain anonymous users online is a typically out-of-context and absurd effort to create fake news for clicks and to smear.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Abrego Garcia was indicted on charges of alien smuggling and conspiracy by a grand jury in Tennessee earlier this month.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
  • Abrego Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury on two criminal charges of conspiracy to transport aliens and unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens, counts linked to a 2022 traffic stop in which he was pulled over for speeding.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Miller sought to shield these women, her suit said, and as a result she was humiliated, harassed and ultimately forced out of her job by Spitzer and Nelson.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
  • As Howard begins to humiliate Matt, the camera follows all angles of the table, making sure to showcase everyone’s reactions.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Terrible policy Perhaps Gabbard is sounding the alarm to discredit efforts — including a sanctions bill held up in Congress pending a green light from Trump — to pressure Putin into a meaningful negotiation on ending his war.
    Marc Champion, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
  • The irony is that the FTC is blind to the meaning of such substantial investment from Amazon, the very investment that thoroughly discredits the FTC’s case.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defame. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on defame

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