slander 1 of 2

slander

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb slander differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of slander are asperse, calumniate, defame, malign, traduce, and vilify. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

Where would asperse be a reasonable alternative to slander?

The synonyms asperse and slander are sometimes interchangeable, but asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When is calumniate a more appropriate choice than slander?

The words calumniate and slander can be used in similar contexts, but calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When would defame be a good substitute for slander?

The words defame and slander are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When is it sensible to use malign instead of slander?

While the synonyms malign and slander are close in meaning, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

In what contexts can traduce take the place of slander?

The meanings of traduce and slander largely overlap; however, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

When might vilify be a better fit than slander?

In some situations, the words vilify and slander are roughly equivalent. However, vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of slander
Noun
In the past year, Knox returned to Italy to challenge a slander conviction that remained on her record. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Nearly a decade after the second acquittal, which was decided by Italy's highest court, the Supreme Court of Cassation, Knox returned to Italy for another trial on slander charges related to the initial interrogation. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
Moreno calls accusations ‘slander’ In a statement provided to The Bee, Moreno denied the accusations and said she was being slandered. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2025 Despite Donald Trump‘s attempt to slander Gayle King, the CBS Mornings co-host is remaining gracious in her response. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slander
Noun
  • Harry has twice sued Associated Newspapers for libel, winning one case and withdrawing the other, while his wife Meghan has also won a privacy lawsuit against the publisher.
    Michael Holden, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The country also still lacks a freedom of information act, and libel remains a criminal offense.
    Ashish Valentine, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Blood was smeared throughout the business.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
  • After smearing Tylenol, the president's unscripted remarks quickly veered into an incoherent rant linking vaccines to autism as well.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Last week, a filing in the defamation case against Powell also showed the parties seeking voluntary dismissal.
    Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In a statement shared with The Guardian, a spokesperson for Ferguson said the duchess felt compelled to send the email after Epstein allegedly threatened to sue her for defamation over her comments to the Standard.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slander. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slander

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