I. noun
Synonyms: detraction , backbiting, backstabbing, belittlement, calumny, defamation, depreciation, disparagement, scandal, tale
Related Word: black wash, muckraking, mud-slinging, roorback, scandal-mongering
II. verb
Synonyms: malign , asperse, calumniate, defame, denigrate, libel, slur, smear, tear down, traduce
Related Word: assail, attack; damage, hurt, injure; blackwash, muckrake; belie, strumpet
Idioms: dish the dirt, run a smear campaign, sling the mud
Antonyms: panegyrize