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

In June 2023, the PGA Tour, LIV, and European circuit DP World Tour announced a commercial merger, ending months of recriminations between the American and Saudi leagues. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Nov. 2024

For the Democrats, the recriminations and regrets may already be beginning—in many directions, but especially against Joe Biden, whose decision to stay in the race until he was forced out may have made this election effectively unwinnable for his party. —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

For others in similar circumstances, the attempt at maintaining connection had ended in recrimination, as in the case of Donna Fasano, who in 1998, because of a clinic’s mistake, carried another couple’s embryo to term along with her own. —Julia Whelan Krish Seenivasan Lance Neal, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

People will demand recriminations, a full accounting for why England failed to win again. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 14 July 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