Slanderer: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe someone who spreads false and damaging statements about others in speech.

• The slanderer spread rumors about the politician's personal life.

This term suits legal or formal contexts, where someone is intentionally trying to harm another's reputation by making false statements.

• The celebrity filed a lawsuit against the defamer who published false stories about her.

Used in legal contexts to describe someone who makes false, written statements that damage someone's reputation. It generally involves printed media.

• The newspaper was sued for being a libeler after printing false information about a local business.

This word is best used for someone who criticizes or speaks badly about someone behind their back. It has a slightly more informal tone.

• He realized his coworker was a backbiter when he heard the gossip at the office.