rumor mongering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rumor mongering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of spreading or promoting rumors, often in a negative context. Example: "The constant rumor mongering in the office created a toxic work environment that affected everyone's morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The rumor mongering continued, even among the government's highest circles.

The New York Times

British regulators are looking into rumor mongering in London, Europe's financial hub.

The New York Times

"There is a frenzy of political speculation, rumor mongering and hysteria".

The New York Times

Mr. Greenberg, for one, said much of the sniping was just Broadway rumor mongering.

The New York Times - Arts

In short, Diplomacy rewards all manner of mendacity: spying, lying, bribery, rumor mongering, psychological manipulation, outright intimidation, betrayal, vengeance and backstabbing (the use of actual cutlery is discouraged).

The New York Times

Indian leaders, deeply alarmed, have pleaded for calm, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appeared in Parliament on Friday to denounce the rumor mongering and offer reassurance to northeastern migrants.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Maybe it is the pervasive nature of 24/7 media using, and being used by, the police and rumor mongers.

The New York Times - Sports

Two, use the real-name system to find rumor mongers and vanish them in the middle of the night.

The New York Times

In today's changed landscape, Internet rumor mongers are the main thorn in the government's side — not political agitators — and the real-name registration system will do little to stop them.

The New York Times

An unidentified rumor monger informed NowhereElse of a new MBP model, 6.1.

TechCrunch

If you're in the mood for a new Nikon body, you might want to wait a month or so, according to the rumor mongers at Photography Bay.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing serious topics like politics or business, use "rumor mongering" to highlight unethical or damaging behavior. This adds a layer of gravity to your criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "rumor mongering" when more neutral terms like "information sharing" or "discussion" are appropriate. Using loaded language can make your writing seem biased or sensationalized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rumor mongering" functions primarily as a noun, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the activity of spreading rumors. Ludwig AI identifies this usage across multiple news sources and online platforms, indicating its established role in describing this particular behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rumor mongering" accurately describes the act of spreading unverified information, typically with negative implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to be aware of the negative connotations and use the term judiciously, avoiding overuse of loaded language and instead opting for more neutral terms when appropriate. Alternatives like "spreading gossip" or "peddling rumors" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spreading gossip

Focuses on informal, often trivial, information.

engaging in gossip

Similar to spreading gossip, but emphasizes the activity itself.

peddling rumors

Implies active dissemination and potential exaggeration.

circulating hearsay

Emphasizes the unverified and second-hand nature of the information.

inciting gossip

Implies actively encouraging the spread of rumors.

purveying falsehoods

Highlights the untruthful nature of the information.

spreading misinformation

Focuses on the inaccuracy of the information being spread.

promoting scandal

Specifically involves information damaging to someone's reputation.

disseminating slander

Specifically involves spreading false and damaging statements.

fomenting discord

Focuses on the divisive consequences of spreading information.

FAQs

What does "rumor mongering" mean?

The term "rumor mongering" refers to the act of spreading unverified or unsubstantiated information, often with the intention to harm or create discord.

How can I use "rumor mongering" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician accused his opponent of "rumor mongering" during the debate" or "The company took steps to stop "rumor mongering" among employees."

What are some synonyms for "rumor mongering"?

Alternatives include "spreading gossip", "peddling rumors", or "circulating hearsay", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "rumor mongering" illegal?

In some contexts, particularly in financial markets or situations involving defamation, "rumor mongering" can have legal consequences if it leads to market manipulation or damages someone's reputation.