Need another word that means the same as “defamation”? Find 20 synonyms and 30 related words for “defamation” in this overview.
Table Of Contents:
The synonyms of “Defamation” are: aspersion, calumny, denigration, slander, calumniation, hatchet job, obloquy, traducement, libel, character assassination, defamation of character, vilification, scandal, scandalmongering, tittle-tattle, backbiting, aspersions, muckraking, abuse, malediction
Defamation as a Noun
Definitions of "Defamation" as a noun
According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “defamation” as a noun can have the following definitions:
- An abusive attack on a person's character or good name.
- A false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions.
- The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.
Synonyms of "Defamation" as a noun (20 Words)
abuse | Cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal. When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse. |
aspersion | An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something. I don t think anyone is casting aspersions on you. |
aspersions | A disparaging remark. In the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion. |
backbiting | Malicious talk about someone who is not present. Members have grown tired of the backbiting in the group. |
calumniation | A false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone’s words or actions. |
calumny | A false and slanderous statement. A bitter struggle marked by calumny and litigation. |
character assassination | An actor’s portrayal of someone in a play. |
defamation of character | An abusive attack on a person’s character or good name. |
denigration | A belittling comment. I witnessed the denigration of anyone who failed to toe the line. |
hatchet job | A small ax with a short handle used with one hand (usually to chop wood. |
libel | The action or crime of publishing a libel. A libel action. |
malediction | The act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult. He muttered maledictions to himself as he trod the stone passages. |
muckraking | The action of searching out and publicizing scandal about famous people. A muckraking journalist. |
obloquy | State of disgrace resulting from public abuse. He endured years of contempt and obloquy. |
scandal | The outrage or anger caused by a scandalous action or event. Divorce was cause for scandal in the island. |
scandalmongering | Spreading malicious gossip. |
slander | An abusive attack on a person’s character or good name. I ve had just about all I can stomach of your slanders. |
tittle-tattle | Light informal conversation for social occasions. |
traducement | A false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone’s words or actions. |
vilification | Slanderous defamation. The widespread vilification of politicians. |
Usage Examples of "Defamation" as a noun
- She sued him for defamation.
Associations of "Defamation" (30 Words)
abet | Assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing. We are aiding and abetting this illegal traffic. |
aspersion | An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something. In the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion. |
calumniate | Charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone. He has been calumniating the Crown and all the conservative decencies. |
calumny | The making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander. A bitter struggle marked by calumny and litigation. |
contumely | A rude expression intended to offend or hurt. The Church should not be exposed to gossip and contumely. |
curse | Invoke or use a curse against. I cursed myself for my carelessness. |
decry | Publicly denounce. They decried human rights abuses. |
defame | Damage the good reputation of (someone); slander or libel. The journalists have defamed me. |
denigrate | Cause to seem less serious; play down. Doom and gloom merchants who denigrate their own country. |
denigration | The act of expressing disapproval (especially of yourself. Their constant denigration by a hostile media. |
deprecation | The act of expressing disapproval (especially of yourself. |
derogate | Disparage (someone or something. It is typical of him to derogate the powers of reason. |
derogatory | Expressive of low opinion. She tells me I m fat and is always making derogatory remarks. |
detraction | The act of discrediting or detracting from someone’s reputation (especially by slander. Let it be no detraction from his merits to say he is plainspoken. |
detractor | A person who disparages someone or something. The island say its detractors has been devoured by development. |
disparagement | The act of speaking contemptuously of. |
disparaging | Expressive of low opinion. Disparaging remarks about the new house. |
humiliation | The action of humiliating someone or the state of being humiliated. The conference decision was a humiliation for the union s executive. |
infamy | Evil fame or public reputation. A date which will live in infamy. |
insult | Treat, mention, or speak to rudely. He insulted her with his rude remarks. |
libel | The action or crime of publishing a libel. She sued two newspapers for libel. |
obloquy | State of disgrace resulting from public abuse. He endured years of contempt and obloquy. |
opprobrium | A state of extreme dishonor. The critical opprobrium generated by his films. |
reproach | In the Roman Catholic Church a set of antiphons and responses for Good Friday representing the reproaches of Christ to his people. Words of reproach. |
slander | The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation. They were accused of slandering the head of state. |
smirch | Discredit (a person or their reputation); taint. I am not accustomed to having my honour smirched. |
sully | Make dirty. Sully someone s reputation. |
traduce | Speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation. It was regarded as respectable political tactics to traduce him. |
vilification | A rude expression intended to offend or hurt. The widespread vilification of politicians. |
vilify | Spread negative information about. He has been vilified in the press. |