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
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
In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.
—The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vilification
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
In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.
—The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilification
Noun
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Ashley failed to prove defamation, as there was no evidence Adam knowingly made false statements or that her reputation was harmed by the private complaint.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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Griffin filed a federal defamation lawsuit in Nevada on Monday, June 15, saying her middle school classmate Joleene Altum made false allegations against Griffin, according to documents obtained obtained by USA TODAY.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Baldoni, who denied the allegations, filed a gargantuan defamation suit for $400 million against Lively and her camp, as well as a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times’ coverage of the claims.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2026
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Sabellico sued him for libel, arguing those comments were malicious and defamatory.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 June 2026
Noun
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The Seleção victory eliminates Haiti from knockout play and gives coach Carlo Ancelotti a bit of breathing room after his draw to open the tournament earned him criticism.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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While backing its longtime partner Iran rhetorically, China has been measured in its criticism of the US for sparking the conflict and held multiple calls and meetings with Gulf states that came under Iran’s attack.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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