as in libel
the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent
the campaign quickly degenerated into name-calling rather than an intelligent discussion of the issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 name-calling
But the response should not be hand-wringing or name-calling.
—
Reardon Sullivan, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
The congressman accused Bondi of name-calling and failing to provide accountability for the Justice Department.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Such name-calling defies the typical Idaho Republican approach, observers say.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Other concerning behaviors may include constant messaging, controlling actions, name-calling, threats, or refusing to respect your boundaries.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Reardon Sullivan, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
The congressman accused Bondi of name-calling and failing to provide accountability for the Justice Department.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Such name-calling defies the typical Idaho Republican approach, observers say.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Other concerning behaviors may include constant messaging, controlling actions, name-calling, threats, or refusing to respect your boundaries.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling
Noun
-
Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit against the Times on December 31, 2024.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
-
The judge also dismissed a libel suit Baldoni filed against the New York Times.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The two other Republican candidates who were nearly disqualified earlier this week, Russ Wojtkiewicz and Gena Ross, were not included in the censure.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
-
The censure appears to be the first in recent memory at Judson ISD.—
Noah Alcala Bach,
San Antonio Express-News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
According to the arrest documents, McDaniel was detained in Monticello after officials reportedly received a child abuse complaint.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
Aghamiri was sanctioned by the United States and United Kingdom in 2023 over human rights abuses linked to the crackdown on protests in Iran.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
