Final answer:
'Venomous rumors' can be described as 'malicious rumors,' as 'venomous' means harmful or poisonous and 'malicious' means intending harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
venomous means poisonous or harmful. When used to describe rumors, it refers to rumors that are intended to harm or spread negativity. Therefore, the correct synonym for 'venomous rumors' is malicious rumors, as 'malicious' means intending harm or evil.