recrimination

noun

re·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ri-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce recrimination (audio)
Synonyms of recrimination
: a retaliatory accusation
also : the making of such accusations
endless recrimination
recriminate
ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt How to pronounce recrimination (audio)
intransitive verb
recriminative
ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnā-tiv How to pronounce recrimination (audio)
adjective
recriminatory
ri-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce recrimination (audio)
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
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.
Standing between the jury and a verdict are scores of hours of conflicting testimony, bitter recriminations, and a vast trove of unfiltered texts exchanged by two brilliant scientists. — Chris Serres — Boston Globe, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026 But there’s also plenty of acrimony and recrimination in the aftermath of the school board election and one final confrontation between King and Paul Martino at a roundtable that leaves little doubt that tensions are still simmering. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 India’s first bullet train is yet to transport a single passenger 10 years after the joint project with Japan broke ground, as the undertaking devolves into sniping and recriminations. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Human observers became so invested in the drama that recriminations flew and comment sections were restricted. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recrimination

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of recrimination was circa 1611

Phrases Containing recrimination

Rhymes for recrimination

See All Rhymes for recrimination

Browse Nearby Words

recriminate
recrimination
recriminative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recrimination. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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