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
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
Smith defended Barkley over his name-calling but did go after him for his opinion on ESPN's topic selection.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
The ugly name-calling and social media campaigns over the governor’s unilateral call in January for a special session on immigration were all but ignored, except for a brief mention by Perez during his opening remarks.
—Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Zoom out: Bullying and harassment campaigns, which include everything from lawsuits to name-calling, are often easier and more effective than leveraging presidential powers.
—Sara Fischer, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
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Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Smith defended Barkley over his name-calling but did go after him for his opinion on ESPN's topic selection.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
The ugly name-calling and social media campaigns over the governor’s unilateral call in January for a special session on immigration were all but ignored, except for a brief mention by Perez during his opening remarks.
—Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Zoom out: Bullying and harassment campaigns, which include everything from lawsuits to name-calling, are often easier and more effective than leveraging presidential powers.
—Sara Fischer, Axios, 20 Feb. 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 18 Mar. 2025.
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