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
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Recent Examples of name-calling
The congressman accused Bondi of name-calling and failing to provide accountability for the Justice Department.
—
Terry Collins, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Such name-calling defies the typical Idaho Republican approach, observers say.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Other concerning behaviors may include constant messaging, controlling actions, name-calling, threats, or refusing to respect your boundaries.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verbal bullying can mean teasing, taunting, name-calling or threatening another child out loud or in writing.
—Dr. Mahvash Madni, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Terry Collins, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Such name-calling defies the typical Idaho Republican approach, observers say.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Other concerning behaviors may include constant messaging, controlling actions, name-calling, threats, or refusing to respect your boundaries.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verbal bullying can mean teasing, taunting, name-calling or threatening another child out loud or in writing.
—Dr. Mahvash Madni, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling
Noun
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And there was a huge libel action against him that was taken out by a very brave writer called Deborah Lipstadt, who won against him.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
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In September 2024, Newsmax paid $40 million to settle another libel lawsuit with Smartmatic, another voting machine company, over claims that Smartmatic helped rig the 2020 election.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In April, the committee will recommend a punishment to be voted on by the full House, something that could range from a censure, removal from committees, or expulsion itself.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
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The Ethics Committee will now hold a meeting to discuss potential consequences, and the matter could come up for full House vote on her censure or expulsion.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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King, who is in his early fifties, is a former marine, a motivational speaker, and a mental-health and substance-abuse professional.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Payments will be based on severity and duration of the abuse, the level of cooperation with investigators and other factors, records show.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Ads largely were a mudslinging fest between Krishnamoorthi and Stratton.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Mar. 2026
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Wu trounced Josh Kraft, a son of the billionaire New England Patriots and Kraft Group owner Robert Kraft, in last year’s mayoral race, after a contentious campaign filled with mudslinging on both sides.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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