calumniate vs besmirch

calumniate and besmirch both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
calumniate	No	No	Yes	No
besmirch	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, calumniate and besmirch are synonyms defined as:

calumniate and besmirch: charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

Other synonyms of calumniate include asperse, defame, denigrate, slander, smear, smirch, sully.

calumniate (verb)	besmirch (verb)
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
	smear so as to make dirty or stained