Synonyms

libelous

American

[lahy-buh-luhs] / ˈlaɪ bə ləs /

especially British, libellous

adjective

containing, constituting, or involving a libel; maliciously defamatory.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of libelous

First recorded in 1610–20; libel + -ous

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.

"Libelous?" burst out the handy man wakening up suddenly, scratching his tousled head and trying to make head or tail of orders that said 'do it' and 'don't do it' in one breath.

From The Freebooters of the Wilderness by Laut, Agnes C. (Agnes Christina)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023