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Synonyms

libelous

American  
[lahy-buh-luhs] / ˈlaɪ bə ləs /
especially British, libellous

adjective

  1. 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.

An individual can still be sued for defamation if they post something libelous on Facebook.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

After replacing the original judge and disqualifying Zenger’s counsel, the crown lost its case when a jury acquitted Zenger, even though under existing law the paper’s writings were libelous.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

Farrell’s lawsuit calls that statement libelous, but he is not suing for defamation or libel.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

Discovery and the production company Ample Entertainment of inflicting emotional distress through defamatory and libelous claims made in the documentary.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2025

According to Burr, the immediate incident only proved that Hamilton’s libelous ways were incorrigible.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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