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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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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 move has drawn criticism from library advocates and Democrats in Congress, who argue that the IMLS plays a vital role in supporting libraries, particularly in rural and underserved communities.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
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Many of the artists now topping the charts have come under fierce criticism because their lyrics often paint cartel leaders as Robin Hood-esque figures.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In addition to the atlatl, the archaeologists also found a fragment of a boomerang, long wooden tips that might have been used to deliver poison to prey, and wooden darts and stone tips.—
Livia Albeck-Ripka,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
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Eyes dart, brows furrow, and Holliday lets slip a slight grin, before skinning that smoke wagon and firing one shot into Ringo’s forehead.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On Friday, a Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih -- Zelenskyy's home town -- killed 19 people, including nine children.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2025
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There has been a big labor split, however, with carpenters and laborers unions going heavily for Moreno — and waging tough attacks against Aguirre.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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My name was in the news, the gossip sites, even on the billboards around town.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2025
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The Beijing International Film Festival has unveiled that an exhibition featuring 150 posters for the movie hand-painted by director Yang Yu, who goes by the name Jiaozi, will take place during its 15th edition, which runs April 18-26.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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Sifton and Stern conclude their book with a look at how even after the Nazis’ defeat, the Bonhoeffer and Dohnanyi families faced public and official calumny for being relatives of traitors.—
Peter Hoffmann,
Foreign Affairs,
18 June 2014
Noun
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The commissioners held an executive session Monday, an hour before the district sent an email with the Tuesday censure agenda item.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2025
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Out of the privation, the challenge, and the censure of slavery and the unfulfilled promise of post-Reconstruction justice, Black musicians embraced experimentation and innovation, ingenuity and joy, and a multigenerational call and response speaking truth to power that endures to the present day.—
Elizabeth Alexander,
Time,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Violations would be enforceable under New York’s criminal contempt laws, ensuring accountability.—
Eric Gonzalez,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2025
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But the contempt seems to be even louder behind closed doors.—
Jeanna Smialek,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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