1
as in to libel
to make untrue and harmful statements about
of course I want to win the election, but I refuse to defame my opponent in order to do so
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to accuse
archaic
to make a claim of wrongdoing against
so the harmless old woman was defamed of witchcraft
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of defame
In her lawsuit, Theodat alleged that the Herald’s reporting of public lawsuits against her and the commission’s investigation of her, and her ultimate termination — that were matters of public interest – defamed her.
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Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
14 June 2026
Tyra Banks has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming she was defamed in the recent America’s Next Top Model docuseries Reality Check.
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Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2026
Hallivis is represented by Alexander Rufus-Isaacs, an attorney who has filed several suits against Netflix on behalf of people who alleged they were defamed in various shows.
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Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Orbán’s rule was marked by a sprawling media ecosystem, which for years served as a loyal mouthpiece for his Fidesz party while discrediting, defaming and intimidating his opponents.
—
ABC News,
18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defame
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
14 June 2026
Tyra Banks has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming she was defamed in the recent America’s Next Top Model docuseries Reality Check.
—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2026
Hallivis is represented by Alexander Rufus-Isaacs, an attorney who has filed several suits against Netflix on behalf of people who alleged they were defamed in various shows.
—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Orbán’s rule was marked by a sprawling media ecosystem, which for years served as a loyal mouthpiece for his Fidesz party while discrediting, defaming and intimidating his opponents.
—
ABC News,
18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defame
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defame
Verb
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The restaurant sources its birotes from Duran’s to make the open-face, bean and cheese-smeared breakfast sandwiches popular throughout Mexico.
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That slows down the process of multiple shockwaves merging into larger ones and allows the atmosphere to weaken the smaller shockwaves to smear out the sharp pressure change into a more gradual increase.
Verb
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Officials accused her in the letter of violating the university’s time, place and manner policy, which sets rules on free speech activities on campus.
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On Monday, Republicans accused the majority party of continuing to saddle the state government with debt and Californians with high taxes and costs of living.
Verb
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Israel must leave humiliated and defeated — and that is exactly what will happen.
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Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
Verb
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Trump was later indicted for his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election that culminated in the siege, but the case was dismissed following his presidential victory in November 2024.
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Eventually, Smollett was indicted by a grand jury on 16 felony charges.
Verb
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Instead, they are encouraged to view blue zones primarily through the lens of a sloppy critique that has already been discredited.
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This doesn’t discredit the fact that mental and physical changes from menopause can be disorienting and jarring.
Cite this Entry
“Defame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defame. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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