slander 1 of 2

noun

Definition of slandernext
as in libel
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation instead of resorting to slander, the candidates should be outlining their plans for getting us out of this mess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slander

2 of 2

verb

ˈslan-dər How to pronounce slander (audio)
as in to libel
to make untrue and harmful statements about for some reason, that newspaper seems determined to slander one particular celebrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb slander differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of slander are asperse, calumniate, defame, malign, traduce, and vilify. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

Where would asperse be a reasonable alternative to slander?

The synonyms asperse and slander are sometimes interchangeable, but asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When is calumniate a more appropriate choice than slander?

The words calumniate and slander can be used in similar contexts, but calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When would defame be a good substitute for slander?

The words defame and slander are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When is it sensible to use malign instead of slander?

While the synonyms malign and slander are close in meaning, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

In what contexts can traduce take the place of slander?

The meanings of traduce and slander largely overlap; however, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

When might vilify be a better fit than slander?

In some situations, the words vilify and slander are roughly equivalent. However, vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

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 slander
Noun
Melissa Gilbert will not stand for any Little House on the Prairie slander. —Julia Moore, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 And so instead of going quietly, the Andersons decided to sue to get back in, claiming breach of contract and slander. —Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
In light of her work, Hickson has been slandered as a pedophile. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025 Knox was convicted of slandering her former boss Patrick Lumumba by falsely accusing him of Kercher’s murder. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slander
  1. libel
  2. smear
  3. defamation
Noun
  • What To Know The lawsuit filed Friday accuses the Associated Press of defamation and libel.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Supreme Court rejects Steve Wynn appeal The Supreme Court has turned back an appeal from casino mogul Steve Wynn, who had challenged a landmark libel ruling as part of a lawsuit against The Associated Press.
    — Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of libel
Verb
  • They were usually surrounded by toddlers, soiling their pull-ups while smeared with frosting.
    — Dan Ewen, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Coogler opens with traumatized sharecropper Sammie (impressive newcomer Miles Caton), smeared with blood and fresh claw marks gouged into the side of his face, staggering mid-service into the church where his father preaches, clutching his guitar.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of smear
Noun
  • In a video missive put out earlier Tuesday, Sharpe attacked Buzbee’s credibility directly and promised to file a defamation lawsuit against the admittedly aggressive attorney and the OnlyFans posting Jane Doe.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Hov not only sued her for defamation, but also her attorney Tony Buzbee.
    — Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of defamation

Browse Nearby Words

slams
slander
slandered
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Cite this Entry

“Slander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slander. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on slander

Nglish: Translation of slander for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slander

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