Meaning & use

calumniate

verb·Advanced

To make false and damaging statements about someone in order to harm their reputation.

See it in a sentence

The pamphlet calumniated the candidate with claims that were later proven false.

He accused his rival of calumniating him in front of the entire board.

A note on using this word

Calumniate is a formal, somewhat old-fashioned word; slander and defame are more common in everyday and legal usage.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “calumniate”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.