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Dictionary.com

defaming

ADJECTIVE
opprobrious
Synonyms
WEAK
abasing calumniatory contemptuous contumelious damaging debasing defamatory denigrating depreciative derogative despicable despiteful detractive disgracing dishonoring disparaging humiliating hurting injuring injurious insolent insulting invective libeling malevolent malign malignant maligning notorious offending offensive pejorative reproaching reviling scandalous scurrilous shaming spiteful truculent vile vitriolic vituperative vulgar
Antonyms
WEAK
complimentary flattering kind nice praising
NOUN
denigration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
character assassination defamation
STRONG
aspersion calumniation calumny deprecation derogation detraction disparagement libel put down ridicule scorn slander traducement vilification
WEAK
libeling smearing traducing
Antonyms
STRONG
approval compliment flattery praise
NOUN
meanness
Synonyms
STRONG
belittling cheating scolding
WEAK
coveting deceiving defrauding degrading dishonoring groveling grudging quarreling shaming sneaking
Antonyms
WEAK
generosity nobility worthiness

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.

Chaves has had strained ties with local media, whom he accuses of defaming him.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

But the parade of horribles recounted by Mr. Shapiro are at once comic and terrifying: deans harassing speakers, law students defaming anyone holding divergent views, faculty obsessed with idiotic academic theories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

It also accuses Ms Javadli of posting videos on social media in which "she insulted and slandered" her former husband as well as defaming the state and violating state laws.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Capriglione said he was “not above scrutiny,” but threatened legal action, seemingly against Current Revolt as well as Grace, for what he characterized as “lying and defaming me.”

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2025

The broken bit of mirror danced away from him; he picked it up and turned it over in his fingers, thinking, thinking of Dumbledore and the lies with which Rita Skeeter was defaming him....

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling