defaming crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "defaming crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect fit for your grid.
Solutions for "defaming crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ASPERSE: To attack the integrity or reputation of (someone) by slander or libel.
8 Letters
LIBELING: Publishing a false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.
TRASHING: To speak very badly of; criticize severely.
9 Letters
DENIGRATE: To criticize unfairly; disparage. To defame or speak damagingly of someone or something.
MALIGNING: Speaking about someone or something in a spitefully critical manner.
10 Letters
SLANDERING: Making false and damaging statements about someone.
More About "defaming crossword clue"
The term "defaming" refers to the act of damaging the good reputation of someone or something, either through spoken word (slander) or written communication (libel). In the context of crosswords, clues revolving around "defaming" often require solvers to think of synonyms that convey this sense of disparagement, vilification, or calumny. Understanding the nuances between words like "malign," "denigrate," "libel," and "slander" can be crucial for selecting the correct answer, as crossword setters often play on subtle differences in meaning or common usage.
Beyond the legal definitions, defaming actions are about undermining trust and credibility. Crossword puzzles might employ creative wordplay or indirect phrasing to point towards these concepts. For instance, a clue might refer to "sullying a name" or "attacking character," prompting solvers to consider words that fit the negative connotation of reputational damage. Our comprehensive list above aims to cover the most common answers you might encounter for this type of clue, across various lengths.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For clues like "defaming," always think of a wide range of synonyms. Words like 'malign,' 'vilify,' 'disparage,' 'libel,' 'slander,' 'calumniate,' and 'asperse' are all related and could be answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Before even guessing, count the blank squares in your crossword grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, helping you choose from answers of the correct length.
- Context is Key: Look at surrounding clues and any letters you've already filled in. Sometimes, a shared letter with an intersecting word will confirm or deny a potential answer, guiding you to the right solution.
- Think of Opposites: While "defaming" is negative, sometimes clues for similar concepts might be framed as their opposite. Consider if there's a word that means the opposite and then think of its negative counterparts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'defaming' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'defaming' typically refers to actions or words that harm someone's reputation. Clues might use synonyms like 'slander,' 'libel,' 'disparage,' or 'malign' to hint at the answer. It's about speaking ill of or damaging a reputation.
Are there different types of defamation I should know for crosswords?
While legally there are slander (spoken) and libel (written), in crosswords, 'defaming' is often a general term. Answers could be either. The key is finding a word that means to harm someone's good name, regardless of the medium.
How can I find the correct length for 'defaming' answers?
Pay close attention to the number of blank spaces in your puzzle. Crossword clues for 'defaming' can vary widely in length, from shorter words like 'ASPERSE' to longer ones like 'SLANDERING' or 'CALUMNIATING'. Always match your potential answer's length to the grid.