name-calling

noun

ˈnām-ˌkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce name-calling (audio)
Definition of name-callingnext
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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of name-calling Congress had one of its most unproductive and dysfunctional periods the past two years that featured leadership fights, name-calling and physical aggression among lawmakers and averting government shutdowns with just hours to spare. — Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 Disagreement between Maryland’s Democratic legislature and our former Republican governor was real but never descended into the name-calling and vitriol that defines so much of American politics. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025 According to court documents, ACS in 2023 started the process of removing the infant from her father, who was accused of being physically and verbally aggressive with Ms. W — including name-calling, slapping her, and ripping out her hair, according to court documents. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025 The two presidents appeared to have a friendly conversation and relationship amid the transition of power, despite the name-calling and tumultuous history between them. — Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for name-calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for name-calling
  1. libel
  2. censure
  3. abuse
Noun
  • On New Year’s Eve, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and Abel sued the New York Times for $250 million for libel.
    — Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The pivotal addition to the the state Civil Code reads: Existing law provides that libel is a false and unprivileged written publication that injures the reputation and that slander is a false and unprivileged publication, orally uttered, that injures the reputation, as specified.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of libel
Noun
  • Boebert’s office did not comment Tuesday but referenced a Monday post on X in which Boebert addressed the censure resolution by mocking Houlahan.
    — Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Libby represents more than 9,000 constituents in Maine's House District 90, and six of them have signed onto the lawsuit as plaintiffs because the censure has impeded her ability to help carry out other legislative actions to serve those constituents.
    — Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of censure
Noun
  • Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse four months after her arrest and received the same punishment as Hildebrandt: four consecutive 15-year sentences.
    — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The footage also shows the now obligatory abuse, as the wheeled warrior continuously rights itself as it gets pushed around.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of abuse

Browse Nearby Words

nameable
name-calling
named
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Cite this Entry

“Name-calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/name-calling. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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