finger-pointing

noun

Definition of finger-pointingnext
as in accusation
the act of blaming someone for a problem instead of trying to fix or solve it Engaging in finger-pointing will not help us solve the problem. There was no shortage of finger-pointing among executives after the movie bombed at the box office.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of finger-pointing Some say finger-pointing brings no balm to the broken, that the occasion calls for a more elegant mourning that doesn’t complicate or traipse on the legacy of celebrated places, people, or traditions. — Karen Valby, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026 The two have clashed over outside spending on the race, with Wahls criticizing VoteVets spending on Turek's behalf and Turek finger-pointing at Wahls' past work with The Next 50, which promotes young Democratic candidates around the country. — Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 2 June 2026 Right now, there’s too much finger-pointing and not enough ownership. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026 There has been plenty of teeth gnashing and finger-pointing in those big-city baseball markets. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for finger-pointing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finger-pointing
  1. accusation
  2. blame
  3. condemnation
  4. guilt
  5. censure
Noun
  • But accusations of censorship have been around since the beginning.
    — Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2026
  • While brief, the gag points to the extreme side of identity politics, where hurling accusations against others for their online transgressions is all too common.
    — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
Definition of accusation
Noun
  • In fact, the mythical character of Odysseus does not deserve the blame.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Larkin and Yzerman each have their share of blame for that situation, with few hard facts to go off beyond snapshots and innuendo.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of blame
Noun
  • There’s always a ready audience, especially when the pesky Jewish state of Israel loudly refuses to join the chorus of condemnation and defends itself with force.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Advertisement Some of Takaichi’s past remarks around work have drawn condemnation from the National Defense Counsel for Victims of Karoshi, which is led by Hiroshi Kawahito, an attorney who represented Takahashi’s family.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of condemnation
Noun
  • Diamond said there’s no doubt the Park Fire was a tragedy for many people, but that the prosecution did not prove her client’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
  • The film is said to follow a repressed philosophy professor who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Kelly keeps his official letter of censure from Hegseth taped to the door of his Senate office.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Establish that violations of the policy may be addressed publicly by the board and may result in board censure.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of censure

Browse Nearby Words

finger paintings
finger-pointing
fingerprint
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Cite this Entry

“Finger-pointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finger-pointing. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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