name-calling
noun
name-call·ing
ˈnām-ˌkȯ-liŋ 
: the use of offensive names especially to win an argument or to induce rejection or condemnation (as of a person or project) without objective consideration of the facts
Examples of name-calling in a Sentence
the campaign quickly degenerated into name-calling rather than an intelligent discussion of the issues
Recent Examples on the Web
Some readers couldn’t get over the wife’s name-calling.
—
Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
For many, this kind of name-calling and defiance crosses the line from passionate advocacy into unprofessional territory, especially for someone in his position.
—Lou Marin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
Gossiping, name-calling and scapegoating were commonplace.
—Dawn Szymanski, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
The big picture: Close allies less than two months ago, relations between the U.S. and Canada have now frayed to the point that diplomacy is being conducted by furious TV appearances and social media name-calling.
—Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
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Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
For many, this kind of name-calling and defiance crosses the line from passionate advocacy into unprofessional territory, especially for someone in his position.
—Lou Marin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
Gossiping, name-calling and scapegoating were commonplace.
—Dawn Szymanski, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
The big picture: Close allies less than two months ago, relations between the U.S. and Canada have now frayed to the point that diplomacy is being conducted by furious TV appearances and social media name-calling.
—Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-calling. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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