aspersion

noun

Definition of aspersionnext
as in criticism
an unfair criticism or false accusation meant to damage another's reputation Let's keep the debate focused on the issues and try to avoid casting aspersions on one another. I don't mean to cast aspersions on his integrity, but I'm not sure I'd trust him with the money.

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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 aspersion And in mid-century America, there were so many aspersions to be cast! — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 Their online parlance is punctuated by empty enthusiasms, vicious aspersions, and obvious hypocrisies that rarely matter. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025 The entire point of declaring some rock cool is to cast further aspersions on the actual popular rock bands at the time. — Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025 Any aspersions for the prevalence of fake Louis Vuitton should be cast on Canal Street in New York, not in France. — Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersion
  1. criticism
  2. dart
  3. attack
  4. calumny
  5. contempt
  6. name
Noun
  • But the lobbyist has doubled down on her criticism of McCuskey in a recent letter to Illinois’ four top legislative leaders and obtained by the Tribune.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The sharpest criticism of the deal came from Venezuelan opposition figures, who argue that a caretaker administration installed after a foreign military operation has no standing to sign away a century of oil rights.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • That show sees world champion darts player Luke Littler take on 20 members of the public in single games of 501 to win £501,000 ($680,000).
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • About 30 minutes later Mourmouras struck the swordfish with a second harpoon with a detachable dart head, which works much like a flying gaff for other big gamefish species such as marlin.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of dart
Noun
  • Detectives charged him with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the vicious attack that killed his mother, 57-year-old Josefa Soto de Guzman, on Friday.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Just like Ejva, who suddenly needs to learn how to protect the herd and make her family proud, even when a violent attack leaves her struggling.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Pratt was just another angry New Yorker hectoring calumnies against all forms of authority.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
  • The declaration also highlights the need to report facts, not suppress or falsify information, and avoid discrimination, bribery, and calumny.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
Definition of calumny
Noun
  • Because if the objection were simply to wealth, consumerism, vanity, or profiting from attention, our contempt would be distributed much more evenly.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • This behavior by a defendant is not permitted in court and is often grounds for removal from the courtroom or a contempt-of-court charge.
    — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • The cops don’t entirely buy that their serial killer is a high-school student, even as Bret identifies Robert by name.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Under the map labeled with Strong's name, the northernmost part of the Central zone would be extended west to I-430.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of name

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aspersing
aspersion
aspersions
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Cite this Entry

“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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