smear campaign

USAGE SUMMARY

"smear campaign" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an intentional and organized effort to discredit someone's reputation or character by spreading false, malicious, or exaggerated information. For example: During the election, the opposing candidate ran a smear campaign against the incumbent, spreading false stories about her personal life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both condemned the smear campaign.

The Economist

It's a smear campaign".

The Guardian

A persistent smear campaign cost Ellison votes.

The Washington Post

His smear campaign has fallen apart.

The Guardian

It's a smear campaign currently being run".

The Guardian

"This damage is caused by BP's smear campaign.

The Guardian - Business

It suggested they were part of a smear campaign.

The Guardian

I am disturbed by the smear campaign that maligns Monica..

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Rothschild fell victim to a smear campaign.

The Economist

No 'smear' campaign was authorized or intended.

TechCrunch

The smear campaign against Corbyn has already begun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "smear campaign", provide specific examples of the false or misleading information being spread to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid labeling something a "smear campaign" without sufficient evidence of a deliberate and coordinated effort to damage someone's reputation. Ensure there's a clear pattern of malicious intent, not just isolated negative remarks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smear campaign" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of activity: an organized effort to damage someone's reputation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a well-established term used to describe such actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smear campaign" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a coordinated effort to damage someone's reputation through false or misleading information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and is used frequently in News & Media and Academia. When writing about or discussing a "smear campaign", it's crucial to provide specific examples and avoid attributing the label without sufficient evidence of deliberate intent. Alternatives like "vilification campaign" or "character assassination" can be used to add nuance. Be aware of its negative connotation and employ it judiciously. Always use specific examples to clarify the intent of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vilification campaign

Focuses on the act of intense and malicious defamation.

slander campaign

Emphasizes the spreading of false and damaging spoken statements.

defamation campaign

Highlights the act of damaging someone's reputation through untrue statements.

character assassination

Focuses on destroying someone's character or reputation.

propaganda attack

Highlights the use of biased information to discredit someone.

disinformation campaign

Emphasizes the spread of false information to mislead the public.

denigration effort

Focuses on the act of belittling or disparaging someone's reputation.

black propaganda

Implies the use of deceptive and malicious tactics.

negative campaigning

A broader term for using negative tactics in a campaign, not necessarily false.

mud-slinging

An informal term for making scandalous allegations against someone.

FAQs

How can I use "smear campaign" in a sentence?

You can use "smear campaign" to describe an organized effort to damage someone's reputation, such as: "The politician claimed he was the victim of a vicious "smear campaign" orchestrated by his opponents."

What's a good alternative to saying "smear campaign"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "vilification campaign", "slander campaign", or "character assassination" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between a "smear campaign" and negative campaigning?

While both involve negative tactics, a "smear campaign" specifically refers to the use of false, misleading, or exaggerated information to damage someone's reputation. Negative campaigning might include truthful but unflattering information.

What are some common targets of a "smear campaign"?

Common targets include politicians, public figures, and organizations. The goal is typically to undermine their credibility or influence.