accusatory

adjective

ac·​cu·​sa·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: containing or expressing accusation : accusing

an accusatory look

Examples of accusatory in a Sentence

He pointed an accusatory finger at the suspect.

The book has a harsh, accusatory tone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Readers know all about the pressure, a pressure that can feel almost accusatory, that can come with owning a stack of unread books. —Jack Barlow, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2025

Oprah and Audra sought to institute a new legend based on accusatory narcissism. —Armond White, National Review, 13 June 2025

The accusatory articles by Anna have an immediate, negative effect. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 16 May 2025

Bongino was flooded with replies, many of the accusatory variety, from people who refuse to believe him. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin accūsātōrius "of a prosecutor, denunciatory," from accūsātor "prosecutor, accuser" (from accūsāre "to call to account, accuse" + -tor, agent suffix) + -ius, adjective suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accusatory

• self-accusatory

Rhymes for accusatory

• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory
• consolatory

Kids Definition

accusatory

adjective

ac·​cu·​sa·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: containing or expressing accusation

an accusatory look

Legal Definition

accusatory

adjective

ac·​cus·​a·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē 

1

: containing or expressing an accusation

the accusatory pleading

2

: accusatorial