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

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

And the thing to do was just to tidy up the mess and move on with as little recrimination and backward-looking as possible. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026

Ireland's leadership traveled as well, while Australia sought stabilization after years of intense trade frictions, recriminations, and retaliation. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 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