1
as in libels
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accuses
archaic
to make a claim of wrongdoing against
so the harmless old woman was defamed of witchcraft
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defames
Verb
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The lawsuit accuses the city of taking no efforts to stop trespassers and failing to compensate the owners for their loss of use and enjoyment of the property.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026 -
Kelly accuses Noem of obstructing congressional oversight of immigration enforcement operations, directing unconstitutional actions, and using her office for personal benefit by steering federal funds to her associates.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The five pieces offer, in turn, biomorphic hints of de Kooning, the ragged shapes of Clyfford Still, the bold geometries of Ellsworth Kelly, the paint smears of Gerhard Richter, and something that looks like toothpaste squeezed onto an orange peel.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
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Teachers Union leader Randi Weingarten smears Trump voters as fascists!—
The Hill,
The Hill,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Israeli court indicts the brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini for smuggling tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of cigarettes into Gaza during the war.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Where Rockwell observed, McNaughton indicts.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Thecla humiliates him by ripping his robe and tearing the wreath off his head.—
Christy Cobb,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2026
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To show him who’s boss, Catherine turns around and buys Pac-North, humiliates him by closing it, and forces him back to Grey Sloan.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
9 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Defames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defames. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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