ad hominem

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Upstanding AG’s respond to congressional oversight with facts, not ad hominem attacks,” the group said in a statement.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

“There are pressures from many organizations: federal, industry, medical organizations that are trying to influence by ad hominem attacks, when we are trying to look at and ask for data,” Milhoan said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

“It is this ad hominem attack that questioned the president’s capacity,” Mr. Landrieu said of Mr. Hur’s report.

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2024

For her part, Gay wrote in the Times that those who campaigned to have her ousted “often trafficked in lies and ad hominem insults, not reasoned arguments.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 14, 2024

The key thing about invective or ad hominem attack is that it is a sort of reverse ethos appeal: the purpose is to isolate your opponent from the community.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith