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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Recent Examples of defamation Carlson called on Fox News Media Chief Executive Suzanne Scott to fire Heinrich in a text that came to light three years later when Dominion Voting System filed its defamation suit against the network. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Envita answered through a spokesman — and also sent me a letter from its lawyer, threatening a defamation action against this publication. — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios responded with a defamation suit, which also named Sloane as a defendant. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 Baldoni responded in January 2025 with his own countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, demanding $400 million in damages for alleged defamation, civil extortion, and breach of contract (which was also dismissed by a judge). — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defamation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation

libel

Noun

He was cleared of that, but then fell out with a friend who had helped concoct his alibi in the libel case, and was charged with perjury.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Paul Bettany opened up in a recent interview with The Times about the public’s misconception of his relationship with Johnny Depp after text messages between the two actors were used in court during Depp’s libel lawsuit against The Sun.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 17 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defamation

noun

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