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
But the response should not be hand-wringing or name-calling.
—
Reardon Sullivan, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Reardon Sullivan, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling
Noun
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Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit against the Times on December 31, 2024.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
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The judge also dismissed a libel suit Baldoni filed against the New York Times.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
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The reprimand from the committee, which stops short of a censure from the entire House, is a rare disciplinary action for a member.—
Gray Rohrer,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
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The two other Republican candidates who were nearly disqualified earlier this week, Russ Wojtkiewicz and Gena Ross, were not included in the censure.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Noun
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These groups are specifically designed to help support people in relationships with those struggling with substance abuse.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
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Constant changes and slow IRS guidance led to widespread confusion and, eventually, abuse that forced the IRS to put a moratorium on claims on September 14, 2023 until August 8, 2024.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Noun
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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
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Mejia has criticized the donation, which already paid for a mudslinging ad against him.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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