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

Synonyms

• libel
• censure
• abuse
• mudslinging

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

Tribalism can and does spill over into much more unpleasant areas, from basic name-calling to more insidious abuse. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

Trump has been telling the Fed to cut rates since early this year and has even resorted to name-calling. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 30 July 2025

The political parties lack respect for one another and have normalized blatant name-calling. —Tracy Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025

Patton-Smith says that red flag friend groups may foster cruel humor or social exclusion, jokes at others' expense, name-calling, or freezing kids out of activities. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for name-calling

• overhauling
• appalling
• enthralling
• forestalling
• installing
• recalling
• balling
• bawling
• brawling
• calling
• colling
• crawling