finger-pointing

noun

fin·​ger-point·​ing ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌpȯin-tiŋ 

: the act of making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame

The finger-pointing began in the loser's campaign headquarters immediately after the election.

Examples of finger-pointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That resulted in an oversupply and built-in costs that sent water rates skyrocketing — and a lot of finger-pointing. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

Bass sacked Kristin Crowley a month after the January 2025 Palisades Fire, and her dismissal was followed by finger-pointing between the ex-chief and City Hall over the blaze's devastation and the fire department’s funding. —ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

The requirement has been a source of infighting and finger-pointing. —Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026

Welles, who was nominated for four Grammys in 2025, is a gifted lyricist, and his finest verses use cascades of slant rhymes to move subtly from specific finger-pointing to broader implication. —Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for finger-pointing

• disappointing
• anointing
• appointing
• pinpointing
• jointing
• pointing