recrimination

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noun re·crim·i·na·tion \ ri-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən \

Definition of recrimination

:a retaliatory accusation; also :the making of such accusations

endless recrimination

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recriminate

play \-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt\ intransitive verb

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recriminative

play \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective

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recriminatory

play \-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˈkrim-nə-\ adjective

See recrimination defined for English-language learners

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 of recrimination from the Web

The only real countervailing pressures here stem from Trump’s and the GOP Congress’ mutual desperation not to be seen failing spectacularly, along with their mutual interest in not collapsing back into recriminations.

— brian beutler, New Republic, "Are Republicans Actually Too Incompetent to Cut Taxes?," 30 Aug. 2017
The internet was awash with recriminations and calls for boycotts, with pro- and anti-Trump forces alike weighing in.

— bloomberg news, NOLA.com, "CEOs tread lightly after Trump's 'both sides' comments," 16 Aug. 2017
But instead of recriminations, the militants of BLM enjoy continued praise and coddling from corporate America.

— michelle malkin, National Review, "Where Is the Corporate Disavowal of Black Lives Matter?," 16 Aug. 2017
The California Democratic Party convention in May was overrun by hecklers, marches and recriminations from liberal activists who said the party had lost its way and become too moderate.

— seema mehta, latimes.com, "Watch live: California's attorney general joins San Francisco in suing to block 'sanctuary city' punishment," 14 Aug. 2017
The construction team that had been hired to design and build the 630-foot-tall wheel tried to withdraw from the project in May amid an exchange of complaints and recriminations about the cost and timing of the project.

— patrick mcgeehan, New York Times, "Completion Date of Staten Island’s Giant Wheel Still Up in the Air," 14 Aug. 2017
The recriminations mounted as Massella’s team asked for records to justify certain charges.

— patricia hurtado, Bloomberg.com, "Retrophin’s Records ‘Chaotic,’ Accountant Tells Shkreli Jury," 17 July 2017
After the high of anticipation and the calming of indulgence comes an unpleasant and often prolonged period of self-recrimination.

— philip chard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mindful meals offer a healthy alternative to emotional eating," 16 July 2017
As has been the pattern for Trump's White House, the controversy has sparked a new round of recriminations among the president's team.

— jonathan lemire and julie pace, chicagotribune.com, "As Russia scandal touches Donald Trump Jr., the president privately rages," 12 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recrimination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of recrimination

Medieval Latin recrimination-, recriminatio, from recriminare to make a retaliatory charge, from Latin re- + criminari to accuse — more at criminate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1611

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RECRIMINATION Defined for English Language Learners

recrimination

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noun

Definition of recrimination for English Language Learners

: an angry statement in which you accuse or criticize a person who has accused or criticized you

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recrimination

Definition of recrimination

recriminate

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recriminatory

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RECRIMINATION Defined for English Language Learners

recrimination

Definition of recrimination for English Language Learners

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recrimination

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recriminate

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recriminatory

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