What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vilify
Example
The politician was vilified in the media for his controversial statements. [vilified: verb]
Example
The company launched a campaign to vilify its competitor and gain market share. [vilifying: gerund or present participle]
smear
Example
The tabloid newspaper published a smear campaign against the celebrity, accusing her of various scandals. [smear: noun]
Example
The politician accused his opponent of smearing his name with false allegations. [smearing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smear is more commonly used than vilify in everyday language. Smear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vilify is less common and is often used in more formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vilify and smear?
While vilify is typically associated with a more formal tone, smear is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
