# malign

/məˈɫaɪn/ (US) · /məlˈaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malign
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to say bad things about someone, often things that are not true, to hurt their good name.

For teachers: to make false or damaging statements about someone or something in order to harm reputation.

## Examples

- She never maligns her coworkers behind their backs.
- During the election, both candidates promised not to malign each other in campaign ads.
- The memoir carefully avoids maligning former colleagues, preferring to explain disagreements without questioning their motives.

## Synonyms

slander, libel, smear, disparage, defame, vilify, badmouth

## Antonyms

praise, commend, acclaim

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.