libelous

[ lahy-buh-luhs ]

adjective

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

Other Words From

• libel·ous·ly especially British, libel·lous·ly adverb
• non·libel·ous adjective
• non·libel·ous·ly adverb
• un·libel·lous adjective
• un·libel·lous·ly adverb
• un·libel·ous adjective
• un·libel·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of libelous¹

First recorded in 1610–20; libel + -ous

Example Sentences

Other people were encumbered by concerns at the time, possibly about, you know, is that libelous?

From Salon

But what is not a good faith sort of criticism or engagement is making false, libelous accusations about scientists, or comparing them to convicted criminals.

From Salon

The defendants were making false and clearly libelous claims of fraud and exacerbating those false claims by comparisons with convicted criminals.

From Salon

The lawsuit alleges the principal and the district violated the California Education Code, which provides strong protections for student journalism and free speech with few exceptions, such as content that is obscene, libelous or slanderous.

From Los Angeles Times

Harry dropped the case after a judge ruled he was more likely to lose at trial because the publisher could show that statements issued on his behalf were misleading and that the February 2022 article reflected an “honest opinion” and wasn’t libelous.

From Seattle Times