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 The board may not agree with someone’s political stance, but such defamation and name-calling are a reflection on it. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 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 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

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

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

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

Definition of abuse

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nameable

name-calling

named

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Style

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

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Synonyms of name-calling

noun

Example Sentences

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