Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun libel

2 senses of libel

Sense 1
libel -- (a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person)
       => defamation, calumny, calumniation, obloquy, traducement, hatchet job -- (a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions)

Sense 2
libel -- (the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks)
       => complaint -- ((civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based)

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb libel

1 sense of libel

Sense 1
libel -- (print slanderous statements against; "The newspaper was accused of libeling him")
       => defame, slander, smirch, asperse, denigrate, calumniate, smear, sully, besmirch -- (charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone; "The journalists have defamed me!" "The article in the paper sullied my reputation")