finger-pointing

noun

fin·​ger-point·​ing ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌpȯin-tiŋ How to pronounce finger-pointing (audio)
: the act of making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame

Examples of finger-pointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Read Article > As leaders scramble to assign blame for Donald Trump’s decisive win on Tuesday, this round of post-election finger-pointing differs markedly from recent cycles. Vox Staff, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024 All but the shouting, vote-counting, finger-pointing, legal wrangling, possible rioting and attempted overthrowing — once more — of our 248-year-old democratic republic. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 Ultimately, leadership accountability isn’t about finger-pointing or checking off responsibilities. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The potential breakthrough ends a lengthy impasse marked by miscues and finger-pointing on both sides. Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for finger-pointing 

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finger-pointing was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near finger-pointing

Cite this Entry

“Finger-pointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finger-pointing. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on finger-pointing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!