Thesaurus results for NAME-CALLING

name-calling

noun

ˈnām-ˌkȯ-liŋ

Definition of name-calling

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

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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 name-calling But the president didn’t stop with name-calling. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 10 June 2026 That name-calling doesn’t keep small businesses like this open. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 Since then, it’s shifted to tribal politics, settling for name-calling and ad hominem attacks. — Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 Cofer noted that the evening was a forum, rather than a debate and that name-calling wasn’t allowed. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for name-calling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling

Noun

Clarke, who denied all allegations, later sued the publication for libel but lost the case in August 2025.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
The lawsuit accuses all three defendants of libel by implication and Camero separately of libel.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of libel

Noun

This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
RatHat abuses that legitimate feature to establish shell-level access outside the normal Android app sandbox.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of abuse

Noun

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

Definition of mudslinging

Browse Nearby Words

nameable

name-calling

named

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“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of name-calling

noun

Example Sentences

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