finger-pointing

noun

fin·​ger-point·​ing ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌpȯin-tiŋ How to pronounce finger-pointing (audio)
: the act of making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame

Examples of finger-pointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only way forward is through compromise and cooperation — not falsehoods and finger-pointing. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 The federal government shutdown, going on for two weeks, has been filled with finger-pointing on each side. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025 This comment highlights growing frustration with partisan finger-pointing by emphasizing who holds the majority in government. Joshua Sammons, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 The federal government officially began a partial shutdown with no last-minute drama or shortage of finger-pointing from Democrats and Republicans, each of whom was content to blame the other for the impasse. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for finger-pointing

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finger-pointing was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Finger-pointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finger-pointing. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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