slander

USAGE SUMMARY

'slander' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a false or defamatory statement made in a malicious or damaging way. Example sentence: He was found guilty of slander when he spread rumors about his neighbor in an attempt to damage their reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As if arresting George Michael in a toilet wasn't enough, police officer Marcelo Rodriguez went on to sue him for slander after Michael satirised the incident in a video and made comments alleging that the police officer had used entrapment.

The Guardian - Music

Surely this opens the door for Marmite to argue copyright infringement and every Australian male to claim slander for the line "the beer does flow and men chunder"?

The Guardian - Music

For nearly 30 years it has worked to deliberately confuse the public, slander scientists, and sabotage science.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a TV debate with Mr Gasparovic, he ventured the following view of the challenger: "First you lick my arse, and then you slander me".

The Guardian

The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.

The New York Times

Mr de Villepin, already reeling from defeat on the streets over his labour reforms, told a raucous parliament this week that he was "profoundly shocked and hurt" by the "campaign of slander and lies" against him.

The Economist

Prosecutors have asked for an 18-month suspended sentence against Mr de Villepin for complicity in slander, and jail terms for two others.

The Economist

Despite the waste and folly of its bureaucracy, despite the slander and polarisation of its election campaigns, America's system of government is extraordinarily robust and flexible.

The Economist

The 53,000 dark-suited, white-shirted, tie-wearing Mormon missionaries who fish for souls around the world can seem like America personified: earnest, friendly, optimistic, fond of Jesus and eager to tell you about it.Ruthless campaign strategists now have an incentive to slander MormonismYet many Americans have doubts about Mormonism.

The Economist

It is mere "slander" to claim anything else, says Mr Ibarretxe, who readily repeats what he said when he took office again, that the defeat of terrorism is his first task.So ETA for all that it can still hit back, as it did with a car-bomb at Madrid airport last month is on its last legs, is it?

The Economist

Mr Pisapia furiously denied her claim and announced plans to sue for slander.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slander", ensure you can articulate the false statement made, the intent behind it, and the damage it caused to the individual's reputation to substantiate the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "slander" when referring to written defamation. "Slander" specifically refers to spoken defamation, while libel pertains to written or published false statements.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slander" is a noun, referring to a false and malicious spoken statement that damages a person's reputation. It can also function as a verb, meaning to utter such a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slander" is a commonly used term referring to the act of making false and damaging spoken statements about someone. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a correct and usable word in written English. It primarily functions as a noun or a verb, and it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and academic contexts. While often confused with libel (written defamation), it's important to remember that "slander" specifically refers to spoken defamation. Understanding its precise legal and ethical implications ensures its accurate and impactful use. The examples analyzed by Ludwig provide a clear picture of its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defamation

Focuses on the act of damaging someone's reputation, similar to slander but broader in scope.

libel

Refers specifically to written or published defamatory statements, unlike slander which is spoken.

calumny

Emphasizes false and malicious misrepresentation intended to harm someone's reputation.

vilification

Highlights the act of making someone a villain through defamatory statements.

false accusation

Focuses on the untruthfulness of the statement, differing from "slander" which also includes malicious intent.

character assassination

Emphasizes the destructive impact on someone's character and reputation.

defamatory statement

A general term for any statement that harms someone's reputation, encompassing both slander and libel.

malicious gossip

Highlights the intent to harm through spreading untrue information, often in an informal setting.

smear campaign

Focuses on an organized effort to damage someone's reputation through false or misleading information.

unfounded allegation

Emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting the claim, shifting focus from the intent to the factual basis.

FAQs

What is the difference between slander and libel?

Both "slander" and libel are forms of defamation. Slander refers to spoken defamatory statements, while libel refers to written or published ones.

What are some synonyms for "slander"?

Some synonyms for "slander" include "defamation", "calumny", and "vilification". Each of these words carries a slightly different nuance, but all relate to damaging someone's reputation with false statements.

How can I use "slander" in a sentence?

You can use "slander" to describe the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. For example: "He sued the newspaper for "slander" after it published false allegations about his business dealings."

What legal recourse is available for victims of slander?

Victims of "slander" can pursue legal action for defamation to seek damages for harm to their reputation and emotional distress.