defaming

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation the callous defaming of the popular actress by the unscrupulous tabloid reporter Synonyms aspersing, blackening, calumniation, calumny, character assassination, defamation, slander, libel, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifyingRelated Words aspersion, innuendo, muck, mud, smear; backbiting, detraction; abuse, invective, vituperation; attack, censure, criticism, denunciation, hatchet job; contempt, disdain, scorn; belittlement, denigration, disparagement; cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spite, spitefulness, spleen, venom, viciousnessNear Antonyms acclaim, accolade, applause, commendation, praise; esteem, honor, respect; adulation, flattery; adoration, reverence, veneration, worship