defame crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "defame crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "defame crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LIBEL: A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.
6 Letters
VILIFY: To speak or write about someone in an abusively disparaging manner, harming their reputation.
MALIGN: Speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner, intending to cause harm.
7 Letters
SLANDER: The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
ASPERSE: Attack the reputation of (someone or something) with false or misleading statements; to slander.
TRADUCE: To speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation.
DEGRADE: Treat or regard (someone) with contempt or disrespect; lower the character or quality of.
8 Letters
BADMOUTH: To criticize (someone or something) in an unpleasant or unfair way.
BELITTLE: To make (someone or something) seem unimportant.
9 Letters
DISPARAGE: Regard or represent as being of little worth.
More About "defame crossword clue"
The clue "defame" often appears in crosswords due to the rich vocabulary English possesses for expressing the act of harming someone's reputation. These terms, while similar, carry distinct nuances. For instance, 'slander' implies spoken falsehoods, while 'libel' refers to written ones. 'Vilify' and 'malign' focus on the malicious intent behind the act, aiming to portray someone as wicked or evil. Understanding these subtleties is key to selecting the correct answer in a crossword puzzle.
Crossword setters love using words like 'defame' because they can test a solver's precision with synonyms. A clue might hint at the specific method of defamation (e.g., "written defamation" for LIBEL) or the intensity of the attack (e.g., "speak evil of" for MALIGN). Keeping an eye on these subtle cues, along with the required letter count, will significantly improve your chances of solving the puzzle correctly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the exact number of letters your potential answer has to match the provided count in the grid. Even one letter off can lead you down the wrong path.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Sometimes, the first few letters of an answer come from another intersecting word. Use these confirmed letters as a strong hint for the current clue, narrowing down possibilities.
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "defame" with many synonyms, think about the specific context or subtle meaning implied by the setter. Is it spoken, written, or simply about making someone seem less worthy?
- Use a Crossword Dictionary: Don't be afraid to use a specialized crossword dictionary or online tool. They often list synonyms by letter count, which can be incredibly helpful when stuck.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many words for 'defame'?
The English language is rich with synonyms, especially for nuanced concepts like damaging reputation. Words like 'slander', 'libel', 'vilify', and 'malign' each carry slightly different connotations or specific legal distinctions, making them useful for crosswords to test a solver's precise vocabulary and understanding of word shades.
How do I know which 'defame' synonym to choose in a crossword?
Pay attention to the letter count provided in the clue. Also, look for other intersecting words that might reveal a letter or two. The specific wording of the clue itself often hints at the nuance – for instance, if it mentions "written defamation," LIBEL is a strong candidate, whereas "spoken lies" points to SLANDER.
Are "slander" and "libel" the same as "defame"?
Slander and libel are specific types of defamation. Defamation is the general act of harming someone's reputation by making a false statement. Slander refers to spoken defamation, while libel refers to written or published defamation. So, while closely related, they are not precisely the same as the overarching term "defame," but rather specific methods of defaming someone.