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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vilification
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
Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned.
—Paul Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The vilification on the right of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned.
—Paul Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilification
Noun
-
Baldoni has denied her allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, which published the actress’ complaint.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Mar. 2026
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In her ruling, Geraghty also found that the lawsuit's claims against two news companies covering the case dealing with defamation were insufficient, dismissing those as well.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The company accused Moore of libel.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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Sugar libel was snipped from both bills.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Be willing to listen to criticism.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Traders landing six-figure payouts associated with the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the death of Iran's supreme leader drew criticism from lawmakers in Washington and critics of the apps.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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