mudslinging

Definition of mudslingingnext
as in libel
the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent the ceaseless mudslinging merely convinced voters that neither candidate was worth voting for

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mudslinging Both Castro and Lago denied the allegations made against them and accused the other of mudslinging ahead of the election. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 There’s also a fair amount of political mudslinging and backbiting. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026 The race for what is traditionally an administrative post requiring technical expertise has been marked by intense mudslinging this election cycle. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 Sokoloff makes everything about Mejia I hate to keep making everything about Mejia since this is supposed to be about Sokoloff’s candidacy, but Sokoloff himself couldn’t seem to answer a question without mudslinging against Mejia. — Rafael Perez, Daily News, 28 May 2026 All the mudslinging debates and the millions of dollars spent on attack ads might not matter for the six – yes, six – Democratic candidates still vying to be the top official in this bellwether blue state. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Mejia has criticized the donation, which already paid for a mudslinging ad against him. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 The film also contains archival footage of mudslinging and backbiting comments from several of the musicians about various members’ comings and goings. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026 Ads largely were a mudslinging fest between Krishnamoorthi and Stratton. — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mudslinging
Noun
  • In addition to the restraining order, Fif has also filed a $6 million civil suit against Kemp in California, citing libel and slander, false light invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Sommer responded by filing a defamation of character and libel suit seeking $10 million.
    — Lindsey Bahr, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Melvin then attempted to pivot away from the unintentional name-calling by mentioning Posey’s potential involvement in the upcoming horror film, Sleepover.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats, and worse.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Orange County prosecutors also charged Nguyen with animal cruelty and animal abuse by a caretaker, both felonies, and a sentencing enhancement alleging the personal use of a weapon.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Six of the paper’s journalists have been murdered during its three and a half decades of operation, including Anna Politkovskaya, an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin who reported extensively on human rights abuses in Chechnya.
    — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mudslinging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mudslinging. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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