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

Some lean into forgiveness, some dive headlong into recrimination. —Chris Heath, Vulture, 31 July 2024

The resulting recriminations between Washington and Riyadh have called into question the future of the bilateral relationship. —F. Gregory Gause Iii, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2022

But the front lasted only so long, and a disastrous debate against Trump in June set in motion weeks of recrimination about 81-year-old Biden’s ability to win, let alone serve another four years. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024

As Afghanistan tumbles into Taliban hands, the avalanche of recrimination and outright condemnation of the Biden administration’s withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan has become unrelenting. —P. Michael McKinley, Foreign Affairs, 16 Aug. 2021

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