name-calling

noun

name-call·​ing ˈnām-ˌkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce name-calling (audio)
: the use of offensive names especially to win an argument or to induce rejection or condemnation (as of a person or project) without objective consideration of the facts

Examples of name-calling in a Sentence

the campaign quickly degenerated into name-calling rather than an intelligent discussion of the issues
Recent Examples on the Web Maximizers who call Trump a fascist are dismissed by the minimizers as either engaging in name-calling or forcing a facile parallel. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 What has happened to Black players has been a litany of name-calling and threats, to the point that some teams have had to increase security. Susan M. Shaw, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 Through competitive games, the boys descended into hostility, engaging in name-calling, group segregation, and even singing derogatory songs. Nicole Lipkin, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 And what is important is that there is a president who actually brings values and a perspective that is about lifting people up and not beating people down and name-calling. Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for name-calling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'name-calling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of name-calling was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near name-calling

Cite this Entry

“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-calling. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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