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personal attack

NOUN

character assassination

Synonyms

WEAK

ad hominem blackening dirty politics dirty pool dirty tricks hatchet job muckraking mudslinging name-calling slanderous attack smear smear campaign

NOUN

smear campaign

Synonyms

WEAK

character assassination defamation defamation of character dirty politics dirty pool dragging one's name through the mud injury of reputation malicious defamation mudslinging negative campaign negative campaigning slander whispering campaign

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.

Maria O’Donnell, a journalist who drew Milei’s ire after urging him to tone down his rhetoric, said the president often appears to treat criticism as a personal attack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Asked about the personal attack by Keane, Carrick said: "It didn't bother me."

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

We all can have a good laugh at the idea that "Uncle Bobby's Wedding" is a personal attack on people who don't believe in marriage equality.

From Salon • May 16, 2025

“That was just such a personal attack, to attack where my parents were raised,” she said, stifling tears.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2023

I knew Hattie didn’t mean to show off, but sometimes her flawlessness felt like a personal attack.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

personal attack

Example Sentences

Related Words