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
In the documentary, Reubens, who hid his private life, talks about his fame as well as rumors and vilification from the media before reemerging as a cult figure with a Broadway revival of his Pee-wee stage show, and a final Pee-wee film.
—
The Deadline Team, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025
In an interview with Variety published this week, Smollett spoke of his public vilification.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
One of Trump’s problems in his second term, though, is that this daily stream of vilification is, by now, a very familiar script.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 17 July 2025
Despite this national vilification, however, Wisconsin voters reelected La Follette in 1922.
—Time, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vilification
The Deadline Team, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025
In an interview with Variety published this week, Smollett spoke of his public vilification.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
One of Trump’s problems in his second term, though, is that this daily stream of vilification is, by now, a very familiar script.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 17 July 2025
Despite this national vilification, however, Wisconsin voters reelected La Follette in 1922.
—Time, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilification
Noun
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Anti-SLAPP laws are generally used to prevent people from using expensive defamation suits to target or punish others for their speech.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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The actress, 39, is featured in Silenced, which centers around the weaponization of defamation laws against abuse survivors.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The stylist initially apologized in a comment on Exeter’s video, but tensions escalated when Exeter later shared a private message from Jessica, who allegedly alluded to taking legal action for libel.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
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Weinberg denied the allegations and sued both women for libel and slander.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, Walz abandoned his campaign for a third term this month amid criticism over mismanagement of taxpayer funding for child care programs.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Continue reading … ‘NEVER AGAIN’ – Tim Walz to end political career amid fraud scandal and party criticism.—
,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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