rumourmonger
Whispers unverified tales
A rumourmonger is someone who spreads rumours, especially habitually or maliciously.
The word carries disapproval—rumourmongers traffic in unverified information, often causing harm: The office rumourmonger had everyone convinced the company was about to fold.
Also spelled rumormonger.
One who spreads rumors
- tattlerOne who reveals secrets
- busybodyIntrusive meddler
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- yentaNosy, meddling woman
newsmonger · scandalmonger · tittle-tattle · chatterbox · prattler · snoop · muckraker · telltale
One who tells authorities
- tattletaleOne who informs on others
- tipsterOne who shares predictions
- squealerOne who betrays secrets
- ratRodent or informer
fink · stoolie · nark · whistleblower · leak · source · betrayer · mole
False statements harming reputation
- smearSpread or defame
- libelPrinted defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
character assassination · mudslinging · backbiting · aspersion · denigration · disparagement · traducement · scandal
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
double-dealing · treachery · subterfuge · deception · disinformation · whispering campaign · smear campaign · propaganda
talebearer
One who spreads rumors
- tattlerOne who reveals secrets
- busybodyIntrusive meddler
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
yenta · newsmonger · scandalmonger · tittle-tattle · chatterbox · prattler · snoop · muckraker · telltale · whisperer
snitch
One who tells authorities
- tattletaleOne who informs on others
- tipsterOne who shares predictions
- squealerOne who betrays secrets
rat · fink · stoolie · nark · whistleblower · leak · source · betrayer · mole · turncoat
defamation
False statements harming reputation
vilification · character assassination · mudslinging · backbiting · aspersion · denigration · disparagement · traducement · scandal · falsehood
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- plotStoryline or land parcel
manipulation · double-dealing · treachery · subterfuge · deception · disinformation · whispering campaign · smear campaign · propaganda · misinformation
disseminate
Spread information widely
proliferate · relay · divulge · leak · transmit · bruit · bandy about · peddle · purvey · retail
rumourmongertruth-teller
One who speaks accurately
fact-checker · verifier · honest broker · reliable source · truth-seeker
rumourmongerjournalist
News profession practitioner
reporter · investigative journalist · news correspondent · verified account