calumniate
Spread malicious lies
To calumniate is to make false statements that damage someone's reputation—to slander or defame.
The word is formal and literary, more likely found in legal contexts or older texts than everyday speech: He calumniated his rivals with baseless accusations of corruption.
The noun form is calumny.
Printed defamation
- traduceSpeak falsely to harm
- vilifyAttack someone's reputation
- malignAttack someone's reputation
- smearSpread or defame
denigrate · besmirch · asperse · backbite · disparage · impugn · blacken · slur
Invent or manufacture
- lieDeliberate falsehood
- falsifyDistort the truth
- misrepresentDepict inaccurately or falsely
- distortTwist from original form
prevaricate · perjure · invent · concoct · trump up · mislead · deceive · disinformation
Meaning to do harm
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
- venomousProducing injected toxins
- vitriolicHarshly bitter and corrosive
malevolent · malign · insidious · hateful · hostile · mean-spirited · ill-willed · rancorous
One who spreads unverified talk
- whisper campaignOrganized spreading of damaging rumors
- backbiteDefame someone absent
- talebearerOne who spreads rumors
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
innuendo · insinuation · tittle-tattle · scandal · buzz · smear campaign · whispering · gossipmonger
libel
Printed defamation
smear · denigrate · besmirch · asperse · backbite · disparage · impugn · blacken · slur · badmouth
fabricate
Invent or manufacture
- lieDeliberate falsehood
- falsifyDistort the truth
- misrepresentDepict inaccurately or falsely
distort · prevaricate · perjure · invent · concoct · trump up · mislead · deceive · disinformation · untruth
malicious
Meaning to do harm
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
- venomousProducing injected toxins
vitriolic · malevolent · malign · insidious · hateful · hostile · mean-spirited · ill-willed · rancorous · vicious
rumormonger
One who spreads unverified talk
- whisper campaignOrganized spreading of damaging rumors
- backbiteDefame someone absent
- talebearerOne who spreads rumors
hearsay · innuendo · insinuation · tittle-tattle · scandal · buzz · smear campaign · whispering · gossipmonger · rumor
disgrace
Loss of honor
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- discreditHarm another's reputation
blemish · stain · reproach · infamy · ignominy · disrepute · degradation · humiliation · sullied · scandal