What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defamy
Example
The politician was a victim of defamy when his opponent spread false rumors about him. [defamy: noun]
Example
She was left with a sense of defamy after the scandal broke out. [defamy: noun]
slander
Example
The celebrity sued the tabloid for slander after they published false stories about her personal life. [slander: noun]
Example
He was accused of slandering his former boss during a job interview. [slandering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slander is more commonly used than defamy in everyday language. Slander is often used in news headlines and tabloids, while defamy is less common and more associated with legal terminology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defamy and slander?
Both defamy and slander are formal terms associated with legal proceedings and are not commonly used in casual conversation.
