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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vilification
Despite the vilification that has become popular in some corners, my colleagues and I went to work every single day with a public health mindset.
—
Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
Individual acts of wrongdoing became the pretext for the vilification of entire nationalities.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2026
With polls indicating that political polarization in the United States is at an all-time high, vilification, and even prosecution, of political opponents has risen as well.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The vilification on the right of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
Individual acts of wrongdoing became the pretext for the vilification of entire nationalities.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2026
With polls indicating that political polarization in the United States is at an all-time high, vilification, and even prosecution, of political opponents has risen as well.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The vilification on the right of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilification
Noun
-
The Texas court’s decision not only allows Exxon to continue to prosecute a serious defamation lawsuit against Bonta, but a key finding by that court may also implicate him in multiple violations of California anti-corruption laws.—
Will Swaim,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
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Liman’s decision drops Lively’s claims of harassment, defamation and conspiracy, meaning the trial will now center on alleged breach of contract and retaliation by Wayfarer and aiding and abetting retaliation by the PR firm working for Baldoni.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That accusation — known as the blood libel — has been passed around for almost a thousand years.—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
And there was a huge libel action against him that was taken out by a very brave writer called Deborah Lipstadt, who won against him.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Descovich dismisses the criticism.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Wise's role at the Justice Department drew criticism from congressional Democrats.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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