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libel

[lahy-buhl] / ˈlaɪ bəl /
NOUN
purposeful lie about someone, often malicious
Synonyms
Antonyms




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The New York Times has said libel action threatened against it by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over an article alleging sexual assaults against Palestinian detainees by Israeli security services is "without merit".

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The case type is described as "Media and Communication -- Part 7 Claim -- Defamation -- libel and slander".

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The phrase was first used in Parliament, and could therefore be repeated by journalists without risk of libel.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Lu has filed libel and defamation suits in South Africa, Australia, the U.K. and other countries against some of his critics, including Longwe, the internet-service provider executive in Malawi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

He sued Cobbett for libel, and after a long and public trial in 1800, the jury awarded Rush $5,000, plus $3,000 court costs.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy




Vocabulary lists containing libel


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