defamation

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce defamation (audio)
Definition of defamationnext
as in libel
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Another jury verdict, still under appeal, awarded her around $83 million in damages for defamation. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026 The defamation suit was dismissed last year, after the judge ruled that Lively’s allegations were protected by litigation privilege. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 June 2026 The court declined to take up attorney Alan Dershowitz’s appeal in a defamation case against The New York Times, effectively upholding long-standing protections for the news media. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 30 June 2026 Baldoni later responded with his own $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, claiming defamation, civil extortion, invasion of privacy, and breach of contract. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
  • Top United Nations official Vanessa Frazier is facing a furious backlash after spreading a sick, fake-news blood libel against Israel on social media.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • The complaint stated that Meta has declined to file a libel or defamation claim against Wynn-Williams.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Definition of libel

Browse Nearby Words

defalcations
defamation
defamatory
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Cite this Entry

“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defamation

Nglish: Translation of defamation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about defamation

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