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

An echo of that earlier outrage followed the revelations of the Epstein files, though this round has so far been diverted into mutual partisan recrimination, more than the focus on institutional changes that characterized those earlier movements. —Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

In 1835, the consistory of the Church of the Prussian Union opened an official investigation into Ebel that embroiled Königsberg in recrimination and rumor. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Deranque's death triggered a storm of recriminations, mostly blaming France Unbowed. —Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026

Deranque's death triggered a storm of recriminations, mostly targeting France Unbowed. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 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