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
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Example Sentences
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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
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Online filings show Harry and his friend, Mark Dyer, a former trustee at the charity, are being sued for either libel or slander.—
Brian Melley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The court record shows Harry and Dyer, a former Sentebale trustee, are being sued for libel and slander.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Maybe another censure is warranted.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Washington County Board of Education approved the censure during an emergency meeting, following public calls to remove board member Keith Ervin and Superintendent Jerry Boyd.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Earlier that year, Orbán’s government was rocked by public furor over the decision by Hungary’s president, Katalin Novák, to pardon the deputy director of a children’s home who had helped cover up the abuse of underaged boys.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
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In some cases, these measures may even invite abuse.—
Mike Smith,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ads largely were a mudslinging fest between Krishnamoorthi and Stratton.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Mar. 2026
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Wu trounced Josh Kraft, a son of the billionaire New England Patriots and Kraft Group owner Robert Kraft, in last year’s mayoral race, after a contentious campaign filled with mudslinging on both sides.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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