name-calling
noun
name-call·ing
ˈnām-ˌkȯ-liŋ 
: 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
Many, particularly supporters of President Donald Trump, responded with outrage or worse, devolving into name-calling.
—
Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
And an additional 37% reported verbal assaults, threats, and name-calling.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
While Trump’s name-calling of Powell isn’t particularly new, the words now could signal action.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Red flags such as name-calling, humiliation, neglect, gaslighting, screaming or threatening to end the relationship can be swept under the rug.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
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Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
And an additional 37% reported verbal assaults, threats, and name-calling.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
While Trump’s name-calling of Powell isn’t particularly new, the words now could signal action.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Red flags such as name-calling, humiliation, neglect, gaslighting, screaming or threatening to end the relationship can be swept under the rug.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-calling. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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