recrimination
Accusation fired back
Recrimination is a counteraccusation—an accusation made in response to being accused.
When conflict escalates, each side blames the other, trading charges back and forth: The divorce degenerated into bitter recriminations.
The word usually appears in plural, suggesting an ongoing exchange of blame rather than a single retort.
Assertion lacking proof
- chargeCost or accusation
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- denunciationFormal public accusation
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
condemnation · reproach · rebuke · criticism · complaint · insinuation · imputation · finger-pointing
Accusation against one's accuser
- counterclaimDefendant's opposing lawsuit
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- rejoinderReply to a reply
- retortQuick, cutting reply
riposte · comeback · counterargument · counterattack · response · reply · deflection · tit-for-tat
Verbal clash over differences
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- strifeAngry, prolonged conflict
- discordLack of agreement
bickering · squabble · acrimony · animosity · hostility · antagonism · friction · tension
Excessive focus on errors
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
disapproval · judgment · discredit · scapegoating · finger-pointing · accountability · responsibility · attribution
Punishing a wrongdoer
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
backlash · counterstroke · requital · comeuppance · reciprocation · counterblow · countermeasure
allegation
Assertion lacking proof
- chargeCost or accusation
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- denunciationFormal public accusation
censure · condemnation · reproach · rebuke · criticism · complaint · insinuation · imputation · finger-pointing · arraignment
countercharge
Accusation against one's accuser
- counterclaimDefendant's opposing lawsuit
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- rejoinderReply to a reply
retort · riposte · comeback · counterargument · counterattack · response · reply · deflection · tit-for-tat · back-and-forth
dispute
Verbal clash over differences
discord · bickering · squabble · acrimony · animosity · hostility · antagonism · friction · tension · rancor
fault-finding
Excessive focus on errors
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- reproachExpression of disappointment
condemnation · disapproval · judgment · discredit · scapegoating · finger-pointing · accountability · responsibility · attribution · imputation
revenge
Punishing a wrongdoer
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
payback · backlash · counterstroke · requital · comeuppance · reciprocation · counterblow · countermeasure
- accusationsaccusation, accuse, accuser, allegation, allege
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring
recriminationforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
absolution · pardon · exoneration · amnesty · mercy
recriminationreconciliation
Restoration of friendly relations
rapprochement · peacemaking · peace · harmony · accord
recriminationpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · acclaim · approbation · compliment · appreciation