Synonyms of vilify

vilify

verb

ˈvi-lə-ˌfī 

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about

claimed that she had been vilified by the press because of her conservative views

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• smear
• humiliate
• discredit
• defame
• malign
• slander
• disgrace
• denigrate
• calumniate
• disparage
• belittle
• traduce
• asperse
• blacken
• shame
• detract
• humble
• dishonor
• debase
• degrade
• disdain
• scorn
• abase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• exalt
• glorify
• commend
• applaud
• praise
• respect
• admire
• regard
• esteem
• worship
• adore
• acclaim
• revere
• venerate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vilify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vilify are asperse, calumniate, defame, malign, slander, and traduce. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Where would asperse be a reasonable alternative to vilify?

The synonyms asperse and vilify are sometimes interchangeable, but asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When is calumniate a more appropriate choice than vilify?

While the synonyms calumniate and vilify are close in meaning, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When would defame be a good substitute for vilify?

Although the words defame and vilify have much in common, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When could malign be used to replace vilify?

The words malign and vilify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

When might slander be a better fit than vilify?

The meanings of slander and vilify largely overlap; however, slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

When can traduce be used instead of vilify?

While in some cases nearly identical to vilify, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vilify

Schmidt said that the city’s police officers have been vilified for their efforts to restore law and order, a hostility notable against the backdrop of left-wing vitriol toward ICE. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026

Bishop Budde was immediately vilified. —Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026

Stephanie has vilified predatory slot-machine operators and is opposed to prop bets, which provide opportunities to bet on an individual play or a player statistic. —Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Via a sly, clever and potent allegory, the English singer-songwriter, who is trans, depicts the world of a vibrant but vilified cryptid community that finally rises up in the face of prejudice — not to attack, but simply to exist. —Joe Lynch, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026

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