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 Patton-Smith says that red-flag friend groups may foster cruel humor, social exclusion, jokes at others' expense, name-calling, or freezing kids out of activities. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 22 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for name-calling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling

Noun

He was cleared of that, but then fell out with a friend who had helped concoct his alibi in the libel case, and was charged with perjury.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Paul Bettany opened up in a recent interview with The Times about the public’s misconception of his relationship with Johnny Depp after text messages between the two actors were used in court during Depp’s libel lawsuit against The Sun.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of libel

Noun

Football—besides being one of our more ubiquitous and unrestrained national entertainments—has also become one of the rare arenas in American life where highly specialized language can flourish without censure.

— Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
The board is also expected to consider whether to launch an investigation into the allegations and consider a censure vote.

— Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of censure

Noun

In court Friday, Teymouri revealed additional information about past child abuse claims about the defendants and the conditions in the home.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
The 2026 accusations stem from a call placed to police in Albuquerque by a University of New Mexico physician who examined the boys and alerted them to allegations of abuse.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of abuse

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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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of name-calling

noun

Example Sentences

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