as in libel
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
Former marine animal trainer and vocal critic of the facility, Phil Demers, was sued by Seaquarium's parent company in 2023 for allegedly flying an unauthorized drone over the facility, sharing unauthorized pictures and defamation.
—
Dylan Gentile, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Newsmax was motivated to raise money through an IPO partly due to the defamation lawsuits against the channel stemming from the 2020 election.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025
In August 2023, Schaffer sued the organization and Smith, individually, claiming he was owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid legal fees and accusing the new board of defamation.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Baldoni denies the allegations and has responded with a $400M countersuit, accusing Lively of defamation.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Dylan Gentile, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Newsmax was motivated to raise money through an IPO partly due to the defamation lawsuits against the channel stemming from the 2020 election.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025
In August 2023, Schaffer sued the organization and Smith, individually, claiming he was owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid legal fees and accusing the new board of defamation.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Baldoni denies the allegations and has responded with a $400M countersuit, accusing Lively of defamation.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share