defame
62 synonyms and 3 antonyms for defame, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To damage someone's reputation by making false or malicious statements about them.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
assassinate
asperse
backbite
badmouth
befoul
belibel
besmirch
besmear
bewray
blacken
blemish
blot
calumny
calumniate
demonize
denigrate
deprave
depreciate
detract
disparage
disrepute
diss
drag through the mud
forgab
forspeak
infamize
lampoon
malign
monsterize
reproach
revile
slag
smirch
spatter
speak ill of
sully
talk trash
tarnish
traduce
trash-talk
unflatter
vilify
vilipend
villainize
Antonyms
How to use defame
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
defame someone
accused of defaming
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman defamer, from Latin diffāmō, built from fāma ("reputation, rumour") — the same root that gives us "fame."
Full origin of defame →Frequently asked questions
What does “defame” mean?
The word “defame” means to damage someone's reputation by making false or malicious statements about them. In plain terms, to hurt someone's reputation by spreading false claims about them.
How do you pronounce “defame”?
“Defame” is pronounced dih-FAYM (/dɪˈfeɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “defame” in a sentence?
Here is “defame” used in a sentence: “The article defamed the mayor with baseless claims of corruption.”
What is another word for “defame”?
Words with a similar meaning to “defame” include assassinate, asperse, backbite, badmouth, befoul and belibel.
What is the opposite of “defame”?
The opposite of “defame” — its antonyms — are flatter, praise and stand up for.
What part of speech is “defame”?
“Defame” is a verb.
Where does the word “defame” come from?
The word “defame” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman defamer, from Latin diffāmō, built from fāma ("reputation, rumour") — the same root that gives us "fame.".
