Libel
Libel noun - The making of false statements that damage another's reputation.
Usage example: the governor's office issued a statement accusing the state's largest newspaper of libel
Smear is a synonym for libel in defame topic. In some cases you can use "Smear" instead the word "Libel" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like lie, malign, slander, defamation.
Smear
Smear verb - To make untrue and harmful statements about.
Usage example: he is willing to smear his opponent if doing so would win the election
Libel is a synonym for smear in slander topic. You can use "Libel" instead the word "Smear" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as sully, malign, false accusation, tarnish a reputation.
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| filthy | filthy libel | filthy smear |
Cite this Source
Smear and Libel. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/libel/smear
Libel & Smear. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/libel/smear>.
Smear or Libel. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/libel/smear.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "libel" and "smear" have occurred on timeline