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

Lawmakers used their speeches to condemn growing antisemitism in the country and honor a Nuremberg trials prosecutor with the Congressional Gold Medal, avoiding partisan finger-pointing. —Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026

But how does finger-pointing help Massachusetts constituents? —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026

Agreed, but this bill substitutes the long, painstaking and complex work of fixing California’s troubled insurance market with finger-pointing and posturing. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026

The succession of events that followed — full of paranoia and finger-pointing — has consumed the American right. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for finger-pointing

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