Slander vs Defamation: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Slander is specifically oral or spoken defamation. Defamation is the umbrella term for any false statement that harms a person's reputation.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Slander mean?
noun / verb · /ˈslɑːn.dər/
The act of making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. Slander is defamation in speech; its written equivalent is libel. Both require falsity, damage, and publication — but slander speaks where libel writes.
Explore SlanderSlander in a sentence
She sued for slander after the false rumour cost her the contract.
The line between honest opinion and slander is narrow but consequential.
What does Defamation mean?
noun · /ˌdɛf.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/
The act of making false statements that damage someone's reputation — including both libel (written) and slander (spoken). To be legally actionable, defamation must be a false statement of fact, communicated to a third party, and causing demonstrable harm.
Explore DefamationDefamation in a sentence
The newspaper retraction came too late — the defamation had traveled faster and farther than any correction could follow.
Public figures must prove 'actual malice' to win defamation cases — a higher bar than private individuals face.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Slander and Defamation?
Slander is specifically oral or spoken defamation. Defamation is the umbrella term for any false statement that harms a person's reputation.
What does Slander mean?
The act of making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. Slander is defamation in speech; its written equivalent is libel. Both require falsity, damage, and publication — but slander speaks where libel writes.
What does Defamation mean?
The act of making false statements that damage someone's reputation — including both libel (written) and slander (spoken). To be legally actionable, defamation must be a false statement of fact, communicated to a third party, and causing demonstrable harm.