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

Why the Cockroaches won The cockroach protests overwhelmed Modi’s regime of control because the young protesters were immune to the blackout and the vilification by India’s mainstream media. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026

As vilification of the Founders and the Revolution became more common, both in academia and in society at large, Wood functioned as part elder statesman and part lightning rod. — Craig Bruce Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

After defeating Chwalinska in straight sets, Andreeva took time at the end of her acceptance speech to speak Russian, seemingly in defiance of the vilification due to her ethnic heritage by the tennis governing bodies and opposing players. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026

Takaichi’s Japan is now headed in the opposite direction, with Xi’s campaign of vilification a vital spur. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 2 June 2026