rumourmongers
They peddle hearsay
Rumourmongers are people who spread rumours, especially habitually or maliciously.
The word carries disapproval—rumourmongers don't just pass along information, they actively traffic in unverified gossip: The rumourmongers had a field day with news of the CEO's resignation.
British spelling; Americans write rumormongers.
Unverified secondhand information
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- conjectureGuess from limited facts
- unsubstantiatedWithout supporting evidence
unfounded · baseless · fabrication · misinformation · disinformation · unconfirmed · uncorroborated · allegations
One who reveals secrets
- busybodyIntrusive meddler
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- talebearerOne who spreads rumors
- gossipmongerHabitual spreader of rumors
scandalmonger · meddler · snoop · yenta · newsmonger · informant · telltale · whisperer
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- mudslingingMalicious personal attacks
character assassination · discredit · malign · vilify · backstabbing · badmouthing · trash-talking · scandal
hearsay
Unverified secondhand information
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- conjectureGuess from limited facts
unsubstantiated · unfounded · baseless · fabrication · misinformation · disinformation · unconfirmed · uncorroborated · allegations · whisper campaign
tattler
One who reveals secrets
- busybodyIntrusive meddler
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- talebearerOne who spreads rumors
gossipmonger · scandalmonger · meddler · snoop · yenta · newsmonger · informant · telltale · whisperer · babbler
slander
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
mudslinging · character assassination · discredit · malign · vilify · backstabbing · badmouthing · trash-talking · scandal · disgrace
disseminate
Spread information widely
relay · broadcast · divulge · leak · transmit · share · publicize · proliferate · sow · distribute
rumourmongersreliable sources
fact-checkers · truth-tellers · investigative journalists · authoritative sources · primary sources