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Showing results for smear campaign. Search instead for regular campaigns.
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.

“But I think that’s a lie,” she says, briskly brushing off the stories as a smear campaign concocted by Otso’s enemies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

Mittal, founder of the Oakland Institute, a human rights and development focused think tank in California, described Magnum's approach as a "public smear campaign" and said the allegations were unfounded.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

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

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins