Synonyms of defaming

defaming 1 of 2

noun

as in defamation

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation

the callous defaming of the popular actress by the unscrupulous tabloid reporter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defamation
• libel
• libeling
• smearing
• slander
• criticism
• maligning
• calumny
• attack
• vilification
• blackening
• abuse
• vilifying
• traducing
• contempt
• censure
• character assassination
• smear
• calumniation
• malice
• aspersing
• mud
• innuendo
• aspersion
• maliciousness
• backbiting
• spite
• denunciation
• detraction
• invective
• disdain
• vituperation
• denigration
• scorn
• disparagement
• hatchet job
• spitefulness
• venom
• hatefulness
• malevolence
• muck
• malignancy
• meanness
• belittlement
• malignity
• viciousness
• despite
• spleen
• nastiness
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• respect
• honor
• esteem
• commendation
• applause
• acclaim
• flattery
• worship
• accolade
• reverence
• veneration
• adoration
• adulation

defaming

2 of 2

verb

present participle of defame

1

as in libeling

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

• libeling
• smearing
• slandering
• maligning
• vilifying
• disgracing
• discrediting
• humiliating
• calumniating
• denigrating
• traducing
• disparaging
• shaming
• blackening
• belittling
• detracting
• dishonoring
• aspersing
• degrading
• debasing
• disdaining
• humbling
• scorning
• abasing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honoring
• exalting
• praising
• glorifying
• respecting
• commending
• applauding
• regarding
• admiring
• acclaiming
• worshipping
• esteeming
• adoring
• revering
• venerating

2

as in accusing

archaic to make a claim of wrongdoing against

so the harmless old woman was defamed of witchcraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accusing
• indicting
• prosecuting
• blaming
• charging
• impeaching
• suing
• incriminating
• criticizing
• criminating
• impugning
• denouncing
• censuring
• trying
• appealing
• condemning
• castigating
• chiding
• rebuking
• calling (on)
• faulting
• taxing
• reproaching
• citing
• summoning
• implicating
• damning
• reproving
• reporting
• naming
• arraigning
• retaliating
• reprobating
• booking
• informing (against)
• inculpating
• framing
• recriminating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• defending
• vindicating
• exonerating
• acquitting
• clearing
• advocating
• absolving
• exculpating
• championing
• justifying
• excusing
• forgiving
• remitting
• pardoning
• shriving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defaming

Verb

The president sued the Times last year, accusing it of defaming him, disparaging his reputation and seeking to undermine his 2024 candidacy. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

The jury was allowed to find that Trump would not stop defaming Carroll unless he was hit with a substantial financial penalty, the court continued. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 June 2026

Trump has continued to attack Carroll even since being ordered to pay millions for defaming her, and Carroll’s attorneys have not ruled out bringing further litigation. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Orbán’s rule was marked by a sprawling media ecosystem, which for years served as a loyal mouthpiece for his Fidesz party while discrediting, defaming and intimidating his opponents. — ABC News, 18 May 2026

The acquisition came after Jones was found guilty multiple times of defaming the families of the children killed in the Sandy Hook shooting, after repeatedly describing the massacre as a hoax. — Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026

One unusual choice presents a climactic murder only in a photo seen decades later, along with articles defaming the victim. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Among election delusion peddlers, Oltmann has distinguished himself by calling for violence and defaming innocent people. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025

Weeks after the initial complaint was filed in May, Robinson filed a $500 million cross-complaint that accused the plaintiffs and their legal counsel of defaming him at a press conference. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025