Meaning & use

slander

noun·Academic

A false spoken statement that damages a person's reputation.

See it in a sentence

He sued his former colleague for slander after she spread false rumors about his finances.

Repeating that unproven rumor at the meeting could count as slander.

A note on using this word

Slander refers specifically to spoken defamation; the written or broadcast form is called 'libel.'

Words with a similar meaning

defamationcalumny

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

Another way to use it

2. verb

To make a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation.

The tabloid was accused of slandering the actor with fabricated quotes.

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