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Showing results for vilify. Search instead for vilif.
Definitions

vilify

[vil-uh-fahy] / ˈvɪl əˌfaɪ /
VERB
criticize very harshly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assail berate damn decry defame denigrate denounce disparage malign mistreat revile slander smear
STRONG
abuse asperse attack blister censure curse cuss debase dig jinx knock libel pan rap roast scorch slam slur traduce vituperate voodoo
WEAK
bad-mouth call down caluminate dress down dump on give a black eye mudsling put a whammy on put down rag on rip up run down skin alive speak ill of tear down tear into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approve cherish commend compliment exalt favor flatter glorify laud praise
STRONG
benefit defend honor protect

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.

That the response to “West End Girl” was to immediately vilify Harbour and equate his purported sins to fireable offenses is troubling, but not surprising.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2025

And on Wednesday Hayes added that the language used to "vilify" James online was "unacceptable".

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

“The city attempted to vilify Officer Garza when he spoke truth to power,” said Greg Smith, Garza’s attorney.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2023

South Africa Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has supported Mbonambi but social media has also been used to vilify Curry, prompting support for the flanker from England and his Sale Sharks club on Wednesday.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023

Ser Barristan did not like this Gerris Drinkwater, nor would he allow him to vilify Daenerys.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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