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 lawsuit specifically claimed Combs was defamed by comments from Sure! Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2025 This was the deciding factor in Depp’s lopsided defamation win in 2022 against Heard on allegations that he was defamed by her op-ed in The Washington Post. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025 Related article Clashes erupt in western India as Hindu groups demand demolition of Mughal ruler’s tomb Modi’s BJP denies using the Mughal emperor’s name to defame India’s Muslims. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 The comedian is being sued by Dr. Brian Morley, a physician and healthcare official who alleges he was defamed in a 2024 episode of Last Week Tonight that criticized his former employer, AmeriHealth Caritas. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 3 Apr. 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
  • Dugan’s dismissal motion also accuses the federal government of violating Wisconsin’s sovereignty by disrupting a state courtroom and prosecuting a state judge.
    Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • Their release was made to look like an escape by the gang, which is being accused of abducting the missionaries, including five children, as a bargaining chip to help secure Joly’s release from a Haitian prison.
    Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Avoid insecticides, greasy oils, or petroleum jelly smeared near the feeder that can coat hummingbird feathers.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • Though the moment is smeared in dramatic score, a dull clanging pierces through; the EMTs can’t get the gurney wheels to glide out of the doorway.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • An Oklahoma grand jury indicted Morris on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child in March.
    Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2025
  • Those arrested in Connecticut included 52-year-old Steven Taylor of Hartford who was indicted on charges of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The writer-director’s smartest move is never to deny Colin his dignity, even when he’s humiliated for disappointing Ray or getting vigorously plowed on a table.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
  • But who among us has not had a little marital spat over one person buying an entire hospital just to humiliate the other?
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The attempts to discredit women like Ventura discount the reality of their lives, Gee said.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
  • But in a possible attempt to discredit Pryor, her name and some details of her confidential complaint, available only to the mayor, commissioners and senior city employees, have been circulated publicly.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defame. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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