Word
slander
Phoneticsslan·der, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɫændɝ/
UK/slˈɑːndɐ/
Definitions
01false spoken statement
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. a false spoken statement that is intended to damage someone's reputation.
n. the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. It is distinct from libel, which refers to written defamation.
“The politician claimed that the accusations were nothing but lies and slander.”
“The plaintiff alleged that the defendant's oral remarks during the broadcast constituted actionable slander that resulted in significant financial loss.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in legal contexts, but can be countable when referring to specific statements.
Pitfall
The newspaper was sued for slander.
The newspaper was sued for libel.
Use 'slander' for spoken words and 'libel' for written or published words.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02exaggerated criticism
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Slang · Informal
n. strong or funny criticism of a person, movie, or team, often used online.
n. vehement, often hyperbolic or humorous criticism directed at a specific character, franchise, or public figure, particularly in digital spaces.
“I won't tolerate any slander against my favorite movie.”
“The social media thread was filled with harmless slander about the team's recent performance, though most fans were just joking.”
Teaching tip
In modern internet slang, this word is used much more lightly than its legal definition and often implies a playful bias.
Real-World Examples
“He contends that he was slandered in a BBC NI Spotlight program aired in 2016, along with a related online article.” “In response to Amnesty's correction, the Hong Kong government said the organisation had "maliciously smeared" and "slandered" Hong Kong and China, and called for a "sincere apology (made) responsibly".” “To get slander removed, many people hire a “reputation management” company.” “A Chinese law passed in 2018 bans people from "slandering heroes and martyrs".” Etymology
From Middle English slaundre, sclaundre, from Old French esclandre, from Ecclesiastical Latin scandalum (“stumbling block, temptation”), from Ancient Greek σκάνδαλον (skándalon, “scandal”). Doublet of scandal.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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