recriminate
Return an accusation
To recriminate is to respond to an accusation by making a counter-accusation.
The word usually appears in its noun form, recrimination, describing the back-and-forth of mutual blame: The meeting devolved into recriminations over who was responsible for the failure.
Recriminations are reactive—they answer charges with charges rather than addressing the substance.
Allegation made in response
- finger-pointingAssigning blame openly
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- counterchargeAccusation against one's accuser
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
denunciation · faultfinding · censure · reproach · condemnation · scapegoating · culpability · guilt
Quick, cutting reply
- counterattackOffensive response to aggression
- riposteSwift clever reply
- rejoinderReply to a reply
- comebackRecovery after decline
reprisal · rebuttal · counterclaim · counterargument · response · reply · counterstroke · tit-for-tat
Angry verbal dispute
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- bickeringPetty verbal sparring
squabble · wrangle · discord · strife · animosity · hostility · friction · antagonism
Opposing party questions witness
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- defenseProtection against harm
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
witness · indictment · plea · evidence · trial · litigation · deposition · affidavit
Provide adequate grounds for
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- vindicateClear of wrongdoing
- deflectionChange in trajectory
evasion · rationalization · self-justification · protestation · disavowal · rebuff · parry · sidestep
counteraccusation
Allegation made in response
- finger-pointingAssigning blame openly
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- counterchargeAccusation against one's accuser
allegation · denunciation · faultfinding · censure · reproach · condemnation · scapegoating · culpability · guilt · rebuke
retort
Quick, cutting reply
- counterattackOffensive response to aggression
- riposteSwift clever reply
- rejoinderReply to a reply
comeback · reprisal · rebuttal · counterclaim · counterargument · response · reply · counterstroke · tit-for-tat · payback
quarrel
Angry verbal dispute
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
bickering · squabble · wrangle · discord · strife · animosity · hostility · friction · antagonism · acrimony
cross-examination
Opposing party questions witness
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- defenseProtection against harm
allegation · witness · indictment · plea · evidence · trial · litigation · deposition · affidavit · arraignment
justify
Provide adequate grounds for
deflection · evasion · rationalization · self-justification · protestation · disavowal · rebuff · parry · sidestep
recriminatetake responsibility
Accept fault for outcomes
own up · confess · self-blame · mea culpa
recriminateforgive
Cease to blame
reconcile · make peace · turn the other cheek · absolve · pardon
recrimination, recriminations, recriminated, recriminating, recriminates, recriminalizing