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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Recent Examples of aspersion
This potential smoking gun could be a destabilizing and demoralizing blow for many members of the Indigenous community, who in the past 12 months also have seen aspersions cast on the heritage of high-profile figures including Sacheen Littlefeather and independent film producer Heather Rae.
—
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023
Each apologized profusely, but qualified it with vicious aspersions on the other.
—John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Klimek: There's some aspersions about men with facial hair there.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Not to cast any aspersions at any other demographic, but there’s been a very severe misrepresentation on stages, not just gender-wise, but color-, every-identity-wise.
—Stephanie Clifford, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023
Each apologized profusely, but qualified it with vicious aspersions on the other.
—John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Klimek: There's some aspersions about men with facial hair there.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Not to cast any aspersions at any other demographic, but there’s been a very severe misrepresentation on stages, not just gender-wise, but color-, every-identity-wise.
—Stephanie Clifford, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersion
Noun
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The court decision triggered calls from Republicans and Democrats alike to fund the bill, as well as criticism about the impact of partisan politics on delaying a program focused on youth literacy.—
Cleo Krejci,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
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The unusually blunt and sobering assessment drew sharp criticism, including from her colleagues.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 July 2025
Noun
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At Euro 2022, the players nicknamed him ‘Van Gerwen’ — after the Dutch darts player, a three-time PDC world champion, such was his love of the game.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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When the layer was unearthed, researchers found more than 450 lead missile acorns, a type of small projectile, and nine iron dart tips, according to the release.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Anxiety over a possible terrorist attack on the world’s then second-tallest building dramatically reduced the attractiveness of the 110-story tower at 233 S. Wacker Drive to some existing tenants and many prospective ones.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin repudiated the deal, saying a decision on the death penalty in an attack as grave as Sept. 11 should only be made by the defense secretary.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Kylie Cooper | Reuters 'Not as edgy as before' Through word of mouth and social media, Target's name became synonymous over the years with fashion-forward finds for less.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
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Peak Popularity: With this spelling, the name Sully has never appeared on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) top 1,000 baby boy names list.—
Clea Haran,
Parents,
15 July 2025
Noun
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That’s when his ugly-American calumny turned to blather.—
Armond White,
National Review,
28 May 2025
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That brings us to the other calumnies Vance and Trump have directed at the Haitians in Springfield.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Sep. 2024
Noun
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The first censure was approved by the council on Feb. 4 by a 4-0 vote with Blain absent, amid allegations of vote trading, threatening recalls against colleagues and attempting to use law enforcement to silence critics.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 July 2025
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In court filings, Libby’s lawyers argued the censure violated her First Amendment rights to free speech and tied it to broader legislative rights.—
Chris Wade,
The Washington Examiner,
8 July 2025
Noun
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This containment allows partners to express anger, frustration or hurt without slipping into destructive patterns like contempt, stonewalling or emotional withdrawal.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Rather, state law says they can be held in contempt of court or sued by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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