DRAG THROUGH THE MUD Synonyms

• cause to seem less serious; play down

• express a negative opinion of

• lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of

• charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

• charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

• a narrow pass (especially one between mountains)

• place under suspicion or cast doubt upon

• make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

• spot, stain, or pollute

• a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person

• the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks

• print slanderous statements against

• words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another

• an abusive attack on a person's character or good name

• charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

• slanderous defamation

• a thin tissue or blood sample spread on a glass slide and stained for cytologic examination and diagnosis under a microscope

• a blemish made by dirt

• an act that brings discredit to the person who does it

• stain by smearing or daubing with a dirty substance

• make a smudge on; soil by smudging

• cover (a surface) by smearing (a substance) over it

• charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

• to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful

• mark with a stigma or stigmata

• discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation

• make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

• spread negative information about

• speak unfavorably about

• speak unfavorably about