The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ASPERSIONS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
S
P
E
R
S
I
O
N
S
More clues leading to the result ASPERSIONS
- Like one separating people making spiteful remarks
- When people must take on board one or some disparaging remarks
- Being around one boring idiot leads to calumnies
- Like people around one, making negative comments
- In line with Mumbai neighbourhood’s scandals
- Us folks from Iran uttered derogatory remarks
- Slurs like folk drinking drop of IPA
- Poisonous creature’s hosting ‘topless’ version: slander!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "spiteful remarks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case spiteful remarks = aspersions.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ASPERSIONS mean?
ASPERSIONS noun- An attack on somebody's reputation or good name, often in the phrase to cast aspersions upon….
- A sprinkling, especially of holy water.
- (in plural) slander, calumny