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

Sabellico sued him for libel, arguing those comments were malicious and defamatory. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2026

Zenger was arrested and accused of seditious libel or content that challenged the authority of the state. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 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