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

Few writers are so skilled at studying themselves with such care and purpose — and without guilt or recrimination. —Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

Peters would be free to continue her public recrimination of election clerks, again putting them in harm’s way. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025

And then there’s that chance, or maybe not-so-chance, encounter with an old acting-class pal (Billy Crudup) that leads to a hornet’s nest of resentment and recriminations being stirred up. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

The public meltdown devolved into legal threats and recriminations on both sides. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 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