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 a move dripping with recriminations, bad feelings and a departing athletic director, Kevin Willard left a Power Four school at Maryland to coach a non-P4 school, albeit one with a better hoops resume, at Villanova. —Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025

All spoke on condition they not be named for fear of recrimination, given the backdrop of government firings and budget cuts. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025

The growing tensions come after a week of mutual recriminations and strained nerves on both sides. —Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025

And here’s where the denials and recriminations really come in, as the old pals go from passive-aggressive sniping to full-on hostility. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for recrimination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration