Synonyms of vilification

vilification

noun

ˌvi-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

as in defamation

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation

warned that the constant vilification of candidates for public office was undermining the people's faith in the political system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vilification

Bezos decries 'vilification' of the rich Jeff Bezos speaks with CNBC's Squawk Box from Merrit Island, Florida on May 20th, 2026. — Kevin Breuninger,annie Palmer, CNBC, 20 May 2026

And always these massacres were preceded by vilification, by slanders. — CBS News, 10 May 2026

Kim’s vilification of the South has been a major setback for Seoul’s liberal government, which desires reengagement and has taken preemptive steps to ease tensions, including shutting down propaganda broadcasts along the border. — ABC News, 7 May 2026

For example, the ADL contends that vilification of Zionism — the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel — is a form of antisemitism, yet some Jews are among the critics of Zionism and of the ADL itself. — David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026