as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
warned that the constant vilification of candidates for public office was undermining the people's faith in the political system
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vilification
The trial became a staging ground for an effort that would permeate his presidential campaign and first weeks in office: vilification of judges who cross Mr. Trump.
—
Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025
In his first five episodes, Newsom has mostly capitulated to right-wing guests, agreeing with them on issues such as trans women competing in sports and the vilification of white men.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Why is the American state so susceptible to vilification?
—Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017
The continued vilification of immigrants only serves to harm American families, communities, and our economy.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025
In his first five episodes, Newsom has mostly capitulated to right-wing guests, agreeing with them on issues such as trans women competing in sports and the vilification of white men.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Why is the American state so susceptible to vilification?
—Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017
The continued vilification of immigrants only serves to harm American families, communities, and our economy.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vilification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilification
Noun
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The lawsuit further accused BCPS of retaliating against Jensen's expression of his First Amendment rights, violating his 14th Amendment rights and defamation.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Baldoni has denied the allegations and accused Lively of defamation and extortion.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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What To Know The lawsuit filed Friday accuses the Associated Press of defamation and libel.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
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Supreme Court rejects Steve Wynn appeal The Supreme Court has turned back an appeal from casino mogul Steve Wynn, who had challenged a landmark libel ruling as part of a lawsuit against The Associated Press.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In both cases, the criticism is not completely superficial.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
14 Apr. 2025
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The messaging also included criticism of U.S. policy that echoed China's public statements.—
Beijing and Washington Bureaus,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilification. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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