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.

People who remember that internet smear campaign related to the Lanez case know why.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 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 British-Egyptian activist at the centre of a political row appears to have endorsed new and baseless claims that he is the victim of a "smear campaign".

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

Lawyers for the reservists argued in the news conference that their clients were the victims of a smear campaign orchestrated by Tomer-Yerushalmi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

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

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

smear campaign

Example Sentences

Related Words