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

But for the population of voters likely to decide the election — a group that dislikes the choice and wants neither man to return to office — the cacophony of recrimination has done little to clarify the choice. —Marianne Levine, Washington Post, 24 June 2024

Those decisions come at a time of accusations and recriminations about politics influencing North Carolina’s high court. —Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 17 June 2024

On social media, Shapiro’s report was largely met with fascination and Christie’s with recriminations; both were widely distributed and discussed. —Constance Grady, Vox, 2 May 2024

Voters need answers going forward, not recriminations about a devastating past. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 June 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