Synonyms of defame

defame

verb

di-ˈfām 

1

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about

of course I want to win the election, but I refuse to defame my opponent in order to do so

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• smear
• humiliate
• discredit
• vilify
• slander
• malign
• disgrace
• calumniate
• disparage
• denigrate
• asperse
• belittle
• blacken
• traduce
• shame
• detract
• dishonor
• degrade
• humble
• debase
• disdain
• scorn
• abase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• exalt
• glorify
• commend
• applaud
• respect
• praise
• admire
• regard
• esteem
• worship
• acclaim
• adore
• revere
• venerate

2

as in to accuse

archaic to make a claim of wrongdoing against

so the harmless old woman was defamed of witchcraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accuse
• indict
• prosecute
• incriminate
• sue
• blame
• impeach
• charge
• criticize
• criminate
• impugn
• call (on)
• try
• denounce
• fault
• condemn
• appeal
• chide
• censure
• implicate
• summon
• cite
• reproach
• tax
• rebuke
• book
• retaliate
• castigate
• reprove
• damn
• arraign
• inform (against)
• report
• name
• inculpate
• reprobate
• recriminate
• frame

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vindicate
• exonerate
• defend
• absolve
• acquit
• clear
• advocate
• exculpate
• justify
• forgive
• excuse
• pardon
• champion
• remit
• shrive

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

Recent Examples of defame

The claim from former LA Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley against Bass and the city says that the mayor used her position to absolve herself of responsibility for the fires by defaming Crowley. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025

In January 2025, CNN was ordered to pay $5 million in damages for defaming a security contractor in a 2021 story from correspondent Alexander Marquardt that aired during Tapper’s show. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025

In January, a jury found that CNN defamed the veteran, Zachary Young. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

And for those that have been trying to defame me with those false stories, the truth will be coming. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019