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Definitions

slander

[slan-der] / ˈslæn dər /
NOUN
scandalous remark
Synonyms
STRONGEST
defamation disparagement libel misrepresentation smear
STRONG
aspersion backbiting calumny depreciation detraction dirt hit lie muckraking mud obloquy rap scandal slam slime tale
WEAK
backstabbing belittlement black eye dirty linen mud-slinging
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approval commendation compliment praise
STRONG
flattery
WEAK
glorification nicety
VERB
make a scandalous remark
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belittle besmirch defame defile denigrate disparage libel malign scandalize smear sully tarnish vilify
STRONG
asperse assail attack backbite belie blaspheme blister blot calumniate curse damage decry depreciate derogate detract dishonor hit hurt injure muckrake pan plaster revile roast scorch slam slur smirch sneer strumpet traduce
WEAK
bad-mouth blacken name cast a slur on give a bad name run smear campaign sling mud tear down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approve clean commend compliment flatter honor laud praise
STRONG
aid assist cure exalt fix heal help increase mend
WEAK
glorify

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then there was Sly Stone’s oft-delayed set that ended with him ranting about his former manager and led to a slander lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“I slander no one, but shall speak the truth.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

The document was later ruled inadmissible at trial, but earlier this year, Italy’s highest court upheld Knox’s separate conviction for committing slander against Lumumba.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2025

Mexico's President Sheinbaum says the claims are "slander."

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2025

But to the later Greeks this was to slander Artemis.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.