recrimination

noun

re·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ri-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən 

: a retaliatory accusation

also : the making of such accusations

endless recrimination

recriminate

ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt 

intransitive verb

recriminative

ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnā-tiv 

adjective

recriminatory

ri-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

ri-ˈkrim-nə-

adjective

Examples of recrimination in a Sentence

The discussion turned into a heated debate with recriminations flying back and forth.

The meeting ended with bitterness and recrimination.

Recent Examples on the Web

Leicester won their appeal against the charge but the threat still lingers, as does the recrimination over that relegation, which has added to the fan discontent over some club decisions such as ticket prices and season ticket procedures. —Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

The momentum gets the audience to the place where the recrimination may sting more pointedly. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Hamas on Friday published the names of three more hostages to be released, signaling that an impasse over the immediate future of the cease-fire with Israel had been overcome after days of recriminations between the two sides. —Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

On Capitol Hill that late December day, confusion quickly turned to recrimination as Democrats slammed Republicans and Republicans slammed Republicans. —Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin recrimination-, recriminatio, from recriminare to make a retaliatory charge, from Latin re- + criminari to accuse — more at criminate

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recrimination

• self-recrimination

Rhymes for recrimination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration