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

Protecting a predator is not theology, and defaming his victim is not church doctrine. — Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Rebel Wilson was found not liable of defaming a young actress who played the starring role in her directorial debut, The Deb. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026

The jury found Basabe liable for defaming both Frevola and his mother via the Twitter post but only awarded damages to the son. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

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

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