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.

And while I like the idea of “replacing opposition with cooperation,” imagining that I’d vilify my kid turns me off.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

"Instead of providing clarity or striking a conciliatory tone, we think labelling a multi-faceted problem as hateful extremism may instead vilify the wrong people and risk yet more division," they said.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2024

The movie's intent to vilify the bookstore was a no-go for Barnes & Noble so the Fox Books seen in the movie was filmed in the now-closed 7th Avenue Barney’s department store.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 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

But unlike the majority of the country, the Freedom Writers were not quick to vilify Klebold and Harris.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Vocabulary lists containing vilify

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Power Suffix: -fy

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