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
In the Instagram video, Tammy acknowledged fans were angry with her and apologized for name-calling, but said that Amy had humiliated her and acted carelessly.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
The authors also strictly warn against name-calling or insulting a partner, as this can only create relationship strain and signal disrespect.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Economic uncertainty is what won the day for Trump and the GOP this past week, not name-calling or hate speech.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024
Policy proposals aside, there's been name-calling, vulgarity, and plain old meanness.
—Jon Lapook, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
The authors also strictly warn against name-calling or insulting a partner, as this can only create relationship strain and signal disrespect.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Economic uncertainty is what won the day for Trump and the GOP this past week, not name-calling or hate speech.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024
Policy proposals aside, there's been name-calling, vulgarity, and plain old meanness.
—Jon Lapook, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling
Noun
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Freedman has suggested that Gottlieb was responsible, at least in part, for the bombshell New York Times article regarding Lively’s accusations against Baldoni, who is currently suing the publication for libel and false light invasion of privacy.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
3 Feb. 2025
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Baldoni is suing Lively, Reynolds, and their PR rep for defamation and extortion, as well as the NYT for libel.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Those who stick around and suffer a formal censure from their governing academic body usually — but not automatically — face removal from office by a higher power (typically the university’s board of trustees, or the state’s governor).—
Shaun Richman,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
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Brown’s refusal to show New Zealand officials the text of the China deal ahead of his trip prompted censure from Wellington this month.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Swift would not disclose details of the abuse, saying the investigation is in its early stages.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2025
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The gesture is also a stark reminder of the lasting impact of abuse on players.—
Caoimhe O'Neill,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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