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
• blame
• impeach
• sue
• 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 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