accusatory

adjective

ac·​cu·​sa·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: containing or expressing accusation : accusing

an accusatory look

Examples of accusatory in a Sentence

He pointed an accusatory finger at the suspect.

The book has a harsh, accusatory tone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Try to remain curious and not accusatory. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 Mar. 2026

Lawyers representing the creditors committee have now filed the objection and, with it, pointed accusatory fingers at Winners Alliance. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Keep the tone respectful but firm, and avoid language that sounds accusatory. —Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

Each partner points an accusatory finger at the other and their respective accounts brim with glaring inconsistencies and false allegations. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin accūsātōrius "of a prosecutor, denunciatory," from accūsātor "prosecutor, accuser" (from accūsāre "to call to account, accuse" + -tor, agent suffix) + -ius, adjective suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accusatory

• self-accusatory

Rhymes for accusatory

• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory
• consolatory

Kids Definition

accusatory

adjective

ac·​cu·​sa·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: containing or expressing accusation

an accusatory look

Legal Definition

accusatory

adjective

ac·​cus·​a·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē 

1

: containing or expressing an accusation

the accusatory pleading

2

: accusatorial