DEFAMATION Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

defamation

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈmā-shən

Definition of defamation

as in libel

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character

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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 defamation In turn, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios filed a defamation suit, which claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had planted false claims in order to take over creative control of the film. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Instead, the judge awarded her just double what the New York Times was awarded for defending itself from Baldoni’s defamation case. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Gao was convicted under a 2018 law banning defamation of historical Communist figures, despite some works having been created years earlier. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 In January 2025, Baldoni countersued the actress and the Deadpool star, alleging defamation, civil extortion, breach of contract, and more. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defamation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation

libel

Noun

Her 2009 memoir The Last Supper, about a summer spent in Italy, resulted in a libel suit.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
His contempt for the Jewish state of Israel will lead our city right into a libel suit worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of libel

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defalcations

defamation

defamatory

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“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of defamation

noun

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