VILIFY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'vilify' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vilify are asperse , calumniate , defame , malign , slander , and traduce . While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse. // no criminal was more vilified in the press

Q: Where would 'asperse' be a reasonable alternative to 'vilify'?

The synonyms asperse and vilify are sometimes interchangeable, but asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction. // both candidates aspersed the other's motives

Q: When is 'calumniate' a more appropriate choice than 'vilify'?

While the synonyms calumniate and vilify are close in meaning, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions. // falsely calumniated as a traitor

Q: When would 'defame' be a good substitute for 'vilify'?

Although the words defame and vilify have much in common, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name. // sued them for defaming her reputation

Q: When could 'malign' be used to replace 'vilify'?

The words malign and vilify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying. // the most maligned monarch in British history

Q: When might 'slander' be a better fit than 'vilify'?

The meanings of slander and vilify largely overlap; however, slander stresses the suffering of the victim. // town gossips slandered their good name

Q: When can 'traduce' be used instead of 'vilify'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vilify , traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim. // so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

vilify

verb

ˈvi-lə-ˌfī

Definition of vilify next

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about claimed that she had been vilified by the press because of her conservative views

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vilify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vilify are asperse, calumniate, defame, malign, slander, and traduce. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Where would asperse be a reasonable alternative to vilify?

The synonyms asperse and vilify are sometimes interchangeable, but asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When is calumniate a more appropriate choice than vilify?

While the synonyms calumniate and vilify are close in meaning, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When would defame be a good substitute for vilify?

Although the words defame and vilify have much in common, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When could malign be used to replace vilify?

The words malign and vilify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

When might slander be a better fit than vilify?

The meanings of slander and vilify largely overlap; however, slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

When can traduce be used instead of vilify?

While in some cases nearly identical to vilify, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

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 vilify Instead of being vindicated, the Benders continue to deal with the fallout, including now living out of the area after being stalked and harassed by people supporting Velasquez and vilifying Goularte. —

Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025 The decision by the Oklahoma native, Grand Ole Opry member, and American Idol judge to accept the invitation to perform at Trump’s inauguration ceremony was met with criticism by some fans, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, who’ve been targeted and vilified by Republicans. —

Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025 Republican lawmakers and activists have vilified DEI, a term for diversity, equity and inclusion policies used by employers. —

Emily Peck, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 The San Diego Humane Society has vilified the rodeo as being harmful to all its animals. —

U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vilify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilify

Verb

Wright got so big on social media even Piers Morgan invited her to libel Jay Z and Beyonce on his platform.

— Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Though he was not named in the ad, Mr. Sullivan asserted he had been personally libeled by The Times and four Black ministers who were signed to the ad.

— David W. Dunlap, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024