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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for name-calling
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Sara Fischer, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
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
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 13 Mar. 2025.
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