Englishdefamation
noun
he sued the newspaper for defamation:
libel, slander, character assassination, defamation of character, calumny, vilification, traducement, obloquy, scandal, scandalmongering, malicious gossip, tittle-tattle, backbiting, aspersions, muckraking, abuse, malediction;
disparagement, denigration, detraction, derogation, opprobrium, censure, criticism;
smear, slur, lie, false report, smear campaign, rumor, insult;
informal mudslinging, slagging-off, knocking, bitching;
North American, informal bad-mouthing;
archaic contumely.
▷antonyms commendation.