slander 1 of 2

slander

2 of 2

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
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 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
Verb
In addition to being sabotaged on the job, Hughes has also been sued and slandered by groups of horse advocates, and a few individuals in particular. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 31 July 2025 While some humans may slander pigs as dirty, messy, lazy animals, others celebrate these intelligent animals that have a long history in agriculture. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for slander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slander
Noun
  • McQueen countersued him on several claims as well, including libel, intentional infliction of emotional distress and intentional interference with contractual or business relationships.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Bellis later added $473 million in punitive damages, bringing the total libel judgment to $1,436,620,000—believed to be one of the largest in American history.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ciarlo has been a beauty aficionado from her early age of sneaking into her mother's makeup drawer and smearing Joker-esque lipstick on her face.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Laptop screens get spattered, smeared, dusty, and dirty from frequent use.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has also brought a $10 billion defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal for its article linking him to the Epstein note.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The defamation case has been delayed while the time for an appeal of the underlying claims runs its course.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slander. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slander

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!