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

How Israel-Hamas agreement came to be amid false starts, recriminations and deaths of key players Aid and commercial trucks began crossing the Rafah border after an eight-month closure. —Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025

Trump’s moral compass seems to redirect him to a path of rocky recriminations and grievances. —Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

Kevin Keegan’s second stint with Newcastle United in 2008 lasted 22 games and ended in recriminations and his refusal to even attend games at St James’ Park. —Nick Miller, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

All of the strategies left one constituency of the other dissatisfied, leading to round after round of second-guessing, recriminations, and campus upheaval. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

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