as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
warned that the constant vilification of candidates for public office was undermining the people's faith in the political system
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vilification
We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants.
—
René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
Analysts say Kim's vilification of South Korea reflects his view that Seoul, which helped set up his first meetings with Trump, is no longer a useful intermediary with Washington but an obstacle to his effort to establish a more assertive regional footing.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
The man is due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court Saturday, to face a raft of charges including wilful damage, serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous driving and possession of a dangerous drug.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Despite the vilification that has become popular in some corners, my colleagues and I went to work every single day with a public health mindset.
—Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vilification
René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
Analysts say Kim's vilification of South Korea reflects his view that Seoul, which helped set up his first meetings with Trump, is no longer a useful intermediary with Washington but an obstacle to his effort to establish a more assertive regional footing.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
The man is due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court Saturday, to face a raft of charges including wilful damage, serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous driving and possession of a dangerous drug.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Despite the vilification that has become popular in some corners, my colleagues and I went to work every single day with a public health mindset.
—Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilification
Noun
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Repeatedly, these men fail, largely because posts like Rajala’s are considered opinions protected by the First Amendment and defamation laws in states like Illinois.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
18 May 2026
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Baldoni, 42, denied her claims and filed a countersuit accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation, igniting a public back-and-forth that was set to culminate in a federal trial beginning May 18.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Noun
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Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit against the Times on December 31, 2024.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
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The judge also dismissed a libel suit Baldoni filed against the New York Times.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
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The most contentious and controversial being some very pointed criticisms of Ole Miss, his former school.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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At the same time, some of the party’s campaign committees in Washington quietly provide logistical support in some cases, while avoiding public criticism of the independent candidates even in some races where there is a Democratic nominee.—
Steve Peoples,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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