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Definitions

smear campaign

NOUN
attempt to defame another
Synonyms
WEAK
character assassination defamation defamation of character dirty politics dirty pool dragging one's name through the mud injury of reputation malicious defamation mudslinging negative campaign negative campaigning personal attack slander whispering campaign

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.

Lively said the alleged smear campaign led to her losing out on acting jobs and revenue related to her alcohol and hair-care brands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The Center for Responsible Lending says the industry is “using false allegations as part of a smear campaign to distract from the clear harm caused by their products.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

The problem with this smear campaign is that we have the receipts.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2026

The ousted chair of Ben & Jerry's has accused the company which owns the brand of threatening to launch a public smear campaign against her.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Murky, speculative stuff, a smear campaign on a dead woman.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

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