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
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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
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit against the Times on December 31, 2024.
—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
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 first and third items in this indictment are indisputable; the second is a complicated and qualified matter; and the last two are libels, still part of popular legend no matter how often disproved by serious biography.
—
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit against the Times on December 31, 2024.
—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
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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Ashley failed to prove defamation, as there was no evidence Adam knowingly made false statements or that her reputation was harmed by the private complaint.
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Griffin filed a federal defamation lawsuit in Nevada on Monday, June 15, saying her middle school classmate Joleene Altum made false allegations against Griffin, according to documents obtained obtained by USA TODAY.
Verb
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One group inflated a giant disco ball, while another smeared themselves with body paint next to a line of rehearsing dancers.
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The costume—doofy top hat, smeared white paint—suggested full commitment to the bit.
Verb
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Well, to slander their enemies.
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Let evil recoil on those who slander Kendra; in your faithfulness destroy them.
Verb
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Among the guests were Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as the daughters of Sarah Ferguson and disgraced ex-Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie.
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Pelley charged the new management, under Bari Weiss, with conduct that would disgrace any self-respecting news organization, disparage its staff’s integrity and force people with uncompromising principles to leave.
Verb
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Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is suing Mayor Karen Bass personally, alleging that, while campaigning for reelection, Bass defamed her, damaging Crowley’s reputation by blaming her for the city’s response during the catastrophic Palisades fire.
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Because Ashley's defamation claim failed, her claim that her siblings had conspired to defame her likewise failed.
Verb
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Instead, they are encouraged to view blue zones primarily through the lens of a sloppy critique that has already been discredited.
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This doesn’t discredit the fact that mental and physical changes from menopause can be disorienting and jarring.
Cite this Entry
“Libel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/libel. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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