accusatory
Implying someone's guilt
Accusatory describes speech, tone, or manner that conveys blame or suggests someone has done something wrong.
An accusatory glance implies guilt without words.
An accusatory question assumes wrongdoing: Why were you really at her apartment?
The word often describes how something feels to the recipient—even neutral questions can sound accusatory in the wrong tone.
Assigning blame openly
- scapegoatingUnfairly assigning fault to innocents
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- recriminationRetaliatory accusation
imputation · allegation · charge · indictment · censuring · rebuking · berating · castigation
Showing blame or disappointment
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- scornfulShowing open contempt
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
- derisiveExpressing contemptuous ridicule
dismissive · skeptical · cynical · displeased · dissatisfied · unsympathetic · unfavorable · unimpressed
Unpleasantly severe or rough
- sternStrict or ship's aft
- coldLow temperature state
- piercingPenetrating or very sharp
- glaringHarshly conspicuous or bright
sneering · scathing · biting · cutting · caustic · venomous · barbed · stinging
Pursuing legal charges
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- witnessOne who attests
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
- defendantParty facing charges
arraignment · evidence · forensic · admissible · corroborate · perjury · subpoena · deposition
Severely critical in judgment
- sanctimoniousFeigning moral superiority
- self-righteousSmugly certain of correctness
- holier-than-thouSmugly moralistic toward others
- hypercriticalExcessively prone to censure
moralistic · preachy · dogmatic · presumptuous · opinionated · narrow-minded · intolerant · unforgiving
finger-pointing
Assigning blame openly
- scapegoatingUnfairly assigning fault to innocents
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
recrimination · imputation · allegation · charge · indictment · censuring · rebuking · berating · castigation · denunciatory
reproachful
Showing blame or disappointment
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- scornfulShowing open contempt
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
derisive · dismissive · skeptical · cynical · displeased · dissatisfied · unsympathetic · unfavorable · unimpressed · disparaging
harsh
Unpleasantly severe or rough
glaring · sneering · scathing · biting · cutting · caustic · venomous · barbed · stinging · bitter
prosecution
Pursuing legal charges
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- witnessOne who attests
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
defendant · arraignment · evidence · forensic · admissible · corroborate · perjury · subpoena · deposition · plaintiff
censorious
Severely critical in judgment
- sanctimoniousFeigning moral superiority
- self-righteousSmugly certain of correctness
- holier-than-thouSmugly moralistic toward others
hypercritical · moralistic · preachy · dogmatic · presumptuous · opinionated · narrow-minded · intolerant · unforgiving · puritanical
- accusationsallegation, allege, blame, charge, claim
- negative tonesangry, bitter, cynical, hostile, resentful
- question tonescurious, skeptical, doubtful, probing, inquisitive
- toneshigh tone, low tone, mid tone, neutral tone, tone language
accusatoryexculpatory
Clearing of wrongdoing
exonerating · vindicating · absolving · acquitting · clearing
accusatorysupportive
Offering help and reassurance
understanding · reassuring · compassionate · sympathetic · gentle
accusatorylaudatory
Expressing strong approval
complimentary · praising · congratulatory · commendatory · approving