Synonyms of libel

libel 1 of 2

noun

ˈlī-bəl 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

libel

2 of 2

verb

ˈlī-bəl 

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

• smear
• slander
• disgrace
• defame
• discredit
• humiliate
• malign
• vilify
• calumniate
• asperse
• shame
• traduce
• blacken
• denigrate
• disparage
• detract
• dishonor
• belittle
• humble
• disdain
• degrade
• scorn
• debase
• abase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• exalt
• respect
• praise
• glorify
• commend
• applaud
• regard
• esteem
• admire
• acclaim
• worship
• adore
• revere
• venerate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of libel

Noun

The libel continued this week when, after years and years of Ryan Murphy teasing a return, Disney+ and Hulu announced that a revival of the series is in fact officially on the way. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

He was cleared of that, but then fell out with a friend who had helped concoct his alibi in the libel case, and was charged with perjury. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026

Verb

In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025

As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized. — George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025