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

The film prompted a wave of recriminations and re-examinations of Jackson’s life and legacy. —Amelia McDonell-Parry, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026

But instead of paving the way for some good ol’ fashioned infidelity, the liquid courage causes the women to turn on each other, with the evening devolving into inebriated insults and recriminations. —Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026

Of course, Lee goes heavy on revenge, regret, and Oresteian recriminations, but season 2 is also a trenchant exploration of the surprising interplay between love and class. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026

Party infighting and frustrating recriminations around Democrats’ 2024 losses had made 2025 a slog. —Dan Merica, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2026

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