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"Smear" vs. "defame": a sticky situation for your reputation
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 22/01/2025, 13:05
Lloyd Cooper 22/01/2025, 13:05English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "smear" and "defame" are verbs that involve damaging a person's reputation through false statements or accusations.
What is different?
"Smear" can also refer to spreading a substance over a surface and implies a deliberate effort to tarnish someone's reputation, often informally or sensationally. "Defame" is specifically about harming someone's reputation through false statements and is often used in legal contexts involving slander or libel.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Smear- The politician launched a campaign to smear his rival.
- They tried to smear her reputation with unfounded allegations.
- The media outlet was accused of smearing the celebrity to boost ratings.
- He was accused of defaming his former employer in the press.
- The company decided to sue for defamation after being defamed in the article.
- It's unlawful to defame someone without any proof.
Difference
