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Definition of slanderous

slanderous

/ˈslæn.dər.əs/
slan · der · ous
Adverb:slanderously
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slanderous Lexical Profile

slanderous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

False and maliciously spoken with the intent of damaging a person's reputation; constituting or involving slander.

Example

"The candidate threatened legal action after her opponent made slanderous remarks during the televised debate."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for slanderous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for slanderous

Word Nuance & Usage

In strict legal contexts, 'slanderous' applies specifically to spoken or transient defamation, whereas 'libelous' applies to written, printed, or permanently recorded defamation.

• Rhymes for slanderous

• Nearby Words

slamming
slander
slanderer
slanderous
slanderously
slang
slangy

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'sclaundrous', borrowed from Anglo-Norman 'esclandrus', derived from Old French 'esclandre' (scandal, defamation), ultimately from Late Latin 'scandalum' (stumbling block or cause of offense).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Slanderous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/slanderous
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