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

That’s how this party went from Michelle handing out crystals and affirmations to everyone handing out recriminations and venom. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 July 2025

Rather than putting the matter to rest, the memo caused a political uproar and mutual recriminations among top Trump officials. —The Editors, National Review, 16 July 2025

But so far, Putin remains defiant, escalating his aerial bombardments of Ukrainian cultural and spiritual havens despite the recriminations of the International Criminal Court. —Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

But at the weekend, the recriminations got out of hand. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 15 May 2025

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