defamatory Play adjective(of remarks, writing, etc.) damaging the good reputation of someone; slanderous or libellous. SYNONYMS abusivebackbitingcalumniatorycalumniouscattycensoriouscontumeliouscriticaldefamingdenigratoryderogatorydetractingdisparaginginjuriousinsultinglibellousmaledictivemaledictorymaliciousmuckrakingmud-slingingscandalmongeringscandalousslanderousslurringtraducingviciousvilifying