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
  • The media’s coverage of the couple was at times critical, and in 2008 the McCanns reached settlements in libel cases brought against British tabloids that alleged they were involved in Madeleine’s disappearance.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The libel continued this week when, after years and years of Ryan Murphy teasing a return, Disney+ and Hulu announced that a revival of the series is in fact officially on the way.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Collins’ opening statement during the hourlong event hosted by the Atlanta Press Club as part of its Loudermilk-Young Debate Series included sharp attacks and name-calling.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Another man decided to report to police additional abuse by Moore, who was the man’s babysitter, after speaking with Hamilton in 2010, according to court records and Hamilton’s campaign.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Another 16% experienced discriminatory comments or abuse, while 10% experienced physical aggression.
    — Andrew Adam Newman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mudslinging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mudslinging. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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