bad-mouthing
VERB
1. Criticizing or maligning someone
The act of speaking negatively about someone or something, especially in an unfair, spiteful, or disparaging manner.
1.1. Speaking ill of someone
Making insulting, critical, or damaging remarks about a person, often behind their back or with the intention of harming their reputation.
Synonyms
- abusing
- aspersing
- belittling
- berating
- denigrating
- defaming
- disparaging
- dissing
- maligning
- putting down
- running down
- slandering
- smearing
- trash-talking
- traducing
- vilifying
Antonyms
- acclaiming
- commending
- complimenting
- endorsing
- eulogizing
- extolling
- lauding
- praising
- recommending
Examples
- She caught her friend bad-mouthing her behind her back.
- The politician resorted to bad-mouthing his opponent during the campaign.
- Bad-mouthing former colleagues can damage professional relationships and trust.
Related Words
- censuring
- condemning
- criticizing
- decrying
- denouncing
- discrediting
- insulting
- reproaching
- reviling
- slurring
- vilification