libel 1 of 2

noun

ˈlī-bəl How to pronounce libel (audio)
Definition of libelnext
as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation the governor's office issued a statement accusing the state's largest newspaper of libel

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

libel

2 of 2

verb

ˈlī-bəl How to pronounce libel (audio)
as in to smear
to make untrue and harmful statements about the court decided that the newspaper's reportage of the former mayor, while irresponsible, did not constitute an effort to libel him

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of libel
Noun
In 2022, Harry also sued Associated Newspapers for libel over an article concerning his lawsuit against the government. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 July 2026 Top United Nations official Vanessa Frazier is facing a furious backlash after spreading a sick, fake-news blood libel against Israel on social media. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized. — George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for libel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for libel
  1. defamation
  2. smear
  3. slander
  4. disgrace
  5. defame
  6. discredit
Noun
  • But if it is altered, selectively edited, or shared with false context to damage someone’s reputation, legal issues such as defamation or invasion of privacy may arise.
    — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • He was sued for defamation by voting machine companies — including one case that was settled.
    — Dana Ferguson, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of defamation
Verb
  • The atmosphere works on them a little bit harder and reduces their strength and smears them a little bit more.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Camille can still picture Burke standing over her, fake blood smeared across her dress.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of smear
Verb
  • In court filings, David Brouillette said that his second ex-wife had slandered him.
    — Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 17 July 2026
  • Well, to slander their enemies.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of slander
Verb
  • The scenes with Congressman Daniel Keene and disgraced investigative reporter Helen Drew are especially intense.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • Shunned and disgraced, Francesca handed her baby to the nuns.
    — Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of disgrace
Verb
  • Miller has denied the allegations and accused his ex-wife of defaming him and abusing their daughter herself.
    — Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • At a time when politicians are gleefully using AI to defame and attack opponents, verifying the truth shouldn’t come with a cooldown period.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026
Definition of defame
Verb
  • By contrast, the defense will point to the parts of the book that are provably false, in an attempt to discredit it, explained David Roger, the former Clark County, Nevada, district attorney.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • This is the result of a campaign to discredit RCV with misinformation by politicians threatened by it.
    — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of discredit

Browse Nearby Words

libations
libel
libeled
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Cite this Entry

“Libel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/libel. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on libel

Nglish: Translation of libel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about libel

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