as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
the governor's office issued a statement accusing the state's largest newspaper of libel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to smear
to make untrue and harmful statements about
the court decided that the newspaper's reportage of the former mayor, while irresponsible, did not constitute an effort to libel him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of libel
Ashish Valentine, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Apart from the libel suits, which the President can add teeth to by threatening regulatory sanctions or by slow-walking mergers and other business deals that require government approval, this is the persecution of people and organizations based on point of view.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
Wright got so big on social media even Piers Morgan invited her to libel Jay Z and Beyonce on his platform.
—Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for libel
Noun
The country also still lacks a freedom of information act, and libel remains a criminal offense.
—Ashish Valentine, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Apart from the libel suits, which the President can add teeth to by threatening regulatory sanctions or by slow-walking mergers and other business deals that require government approval, this is the persecution of people and organizations based on point of view.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Please ask your daughter to stop libeling Miss Manners.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
Wright got so big on social media even Piers Morgan invited her to libel Jay Z and Beyonce on his platform.
—Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for libel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for libel
Noun
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Even before Drake filed his defamation lawsuit, many legal experts and industry figures were skeptical of his allegations and their viability in court.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
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The Southlake pastor who last month pleaded guilty to five counts of indecency with a child has asked a Dallas County court to toss the victim’s defamation lawsuit against him, court filings show.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The vacuum cleaner has powerful suction, and the mop cleans without sloshing and smearing water on the floor.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
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Trudeau wrapped his other arm around Hadrien, who had smeared fake blood on the side of his face.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Dearborn has often been slandered for simply coexisting peacefully, because the truth is, some people are uncomfortable, and frankly upset about seeing church steeples and mosque domes share the same skyline on roads.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Freep.com,
24 Sep. 2025
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In this article, the authors engage various writing devices to slander a good man assassinated for the crime of engaging in, and encouraging, free speech for all.—
James Gaylord,
Oc Register,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The process, carried out by regional district councils and overseen by the national office, requires disgraced pastors to step away from ministry for at least a year and undergo Christian counseling, according to a 135-page restoration handbook obtained by NBC News.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 Oct. 2025
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And so farewell, disgraced ex-State Police Sgt.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Canadian rapper and actor’s claim was that the label participated in defaming him by publishing and promoting the song.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
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The family also alleges that Morris, his wife, and Gateway staff members continually defamed them and lied about the circumstances of the abuse after Clemishire came forward last year.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To be put in this category is discrediting.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
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Yet despite its popularity, research discredits this long-standing belief.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Libel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/libel. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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