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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
In denying Bressington’s application, Judge William Alsup noted that the guitarist’s lawyers hedged on filing a defamation lawsuit.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The Macrons have also filed a defamation suit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Earlier in December, Baldoni filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, over its explosive story detailing her alleged treatment on set.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Steve Coogan has settled a libel claim over 2022’s The Lost King after a university academic sued over his depiction in the film.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And cornerback Mike Jackson, who had four pass breakups and an interception in the playoff game, dismissed criticism of Evero’s play-calling on the defense’s final drive.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The couple, who did not grow up knowing one another because of estrangements in their families, faced criticism from both sets of parents for the union.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share