badmouths
Speaks ill of
Badmouths means speaks disparagingly about someone or something, usually behind their back: She's always badmouthing her coworkers to the boss.
The word suggests petty criticism or malicious gossip rather than legitimate complaint.
Also spelled as two words: bad-mouths.
Expresses unfavorable judgment
- denouncesPublicly criticizes harshly
- beratesScolds severely
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- condemnsExpresses severe disapproval
blasts · roasts · tears down · puts down · knocks · trashes · bashes · slams
Falsely damages reputation
- trash-talksInsults to intimidate
- disparagesCriticizes to diminish worth
- backbitesSpeaks ill covertly
- defamesHarms reputation falsely
smears · whispers · tattles · maligns · besmirches · vilifies · mudslinging · character assassination
Treacherously harms someone trusting
- underminesWeakens by stealth
- sabotagesDeliberately undermines or destroys
- betraysActs against one's allies
- double-crossesBetrays a confederate
sells out · turns against · disloyal · treacherous · two-faced · Judas · snitch · informer
criticizes
Expresses unfavorable judgment
condemns · blasts · roasts · tears down · puts down · knocks · trashes · bashes · slams · pans
slanders
Falsely damages reputation
- trash-talksInsults to intimidate
- disparagesCriticizes to diminish worth
- backbitesSpeaks ill covertly
defames · smears · whispers · tattles · maligns · besmirches · vilifies · mudslinging · character assassination · rumors
backstabs
Treacherously harms someone trusting
- underminesWeakens by stealth
- sabotagesDeliberately undermines or destroys
- betraysActs against one's allies
double-crosses · sells out · turns against · disloyal · treacherous · two-faced · Judas · snitch · informer · traitor
badmouthspraises
Verbally commends
compliments · lauds · extols · applauds · acclaims
badmouthsdefends
Acts to protect
champions · stands up for · vouches for · builds up · endorses