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calumniate

verb
ca·​lum·​ni·​ate | \ kə-ˈləm-nē-ˌāt How to pronounce calumniate (audio) \
calumniated; calumniating

Definition of calumniate

transitive verb

1 : to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about
2 : to injure the reputation of by calumny
Other Words from calumniate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about calumniate

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Other Words from calumniate

calumniation \ kə-​ˌləm-​nē-​ˈā-​shən How to pronounce calumniation (audio) \ noun
calumniator \ kə-​ˈləm-​nē-​ˌā-​tər How to pronounce calumniator (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for calumniate

malign, traduce, asperse, vilify, calumniate, defame, slander mean to injure by speaking ill of. malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying. the most maligned monarch in British history traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim. so traduced the governor that he was driven from office asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction. both candidates aspersed the other's motives vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse. no criminal was more vilified in the press calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions. falsely calumniated as a traitor defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name. sued them for defaming her reputation slander stresses the suffering of the victim. town gossips slandered their good name

Examples of calumniate in a Sentence

the short-lived Sedition Act of 1798 made it illegal to calumniate the President of the United States

First Known Use of calumniate

1554, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on calumniate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with calumniate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for calumniate

Spanish Central: Translation of calumniate

Nglish: Translation of calumniate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of calumniate for Arabic Speakers

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