recriminated
Returned the blame
Recriminated is the past tense of recriminate, meaning to respond to an accusation by making a counteraccusation.
When people recriminate, they trade blame back and forth rather than resolving the underlying issue: They recriminated bitterly over who was responsible for the failed deal.
The noun recrimination is more common than the verb.
Allegation made in response
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- denunciationFormal public accusation
reproach · censure · condemnation · incrimination · arraignment · impeachment · criticism · rebuke
Imperfection or blame
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- responsibilityState of being answerable
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
disapproval · judgment · criticism · reproach · scapegoating · pointing fingers · deflection · denial
Offensive response to aggression
- retortQuick, cutting reply
- comebackRecovery after decline
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- tit-for-tatEquivalent retaliation strategy
backlash · counterstroke · countercharge · rejoinder · riposte · rebuttal · counterblast · counterpunch
Verbal clash over differences
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
animosity · acrimony · bitterness · rancor · resentment · tension · clash · confrontation
counteraccusation
Allegation made in response
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
denunciation · reproach · censure · condemnation · incrimination · arraignment · impeachment · criticism · rebuke · castigation
fault
Imperfection or blame
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- responsibilityState of being answerable
condemnation · disapproval · judgment · criticism · reproach · scapegoating · pointing fingers · deflection · denial · excuse-making
counterattack
Offensive response to aggression
tit-for-tat · backlash · counterstroke · countercharge · rejoinder · riposte · rebuttal · counterblast · counterpunch · countermove
dispute
Verbal clash over differences
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
antagonism · animosity · acrimony · bitterness · rancor · resentment · tension · clash · confrontation · contention
recriminatedabsolved
Freed from guilt
exonerated · vindicated · acquitted · cleared · exculpated
recrimination, recriminate, recriminations, recriminatory, recriminating, recriminates