recriminatory
Trading angry accusations
Recriminatory describes accusations made in response to being accused—the counter-charge that answers a charge.
A recriminatory tone pervades arguments where both sides blame each other: Their divorce proceedings turned recriminatory, each cataloging the other's failures.
The word often signals that productive discussion has broken down into mutual finger-pointing.
Claim someone did wrong
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
charge · prosecutorial · impeach · censure · reproach · impugn · arraign · indict
Wanting to harm back
- tit-for-tatEquivalent retaliation strategy
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
counterattack · revenge · backlash · counterstrike · retaliate · avenge · mutual · escalating
Seeking out imperfections
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- condemnatoryExpressing severe disapproval
- culpableDeserving of blame
- blameworthyDeserving of censure
scolding · upbraiding · berating · reproving · chiding · admonishing · lambasting · scapegoating
Reasoned case or dispute
- conflictOpposition between parties
- contentionAssertion or rivalry
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
feud · bickering · squabble · acrimonious · hostile · bitter · divisive · breakdown
accusation
Claim someone did wrong
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
condemn · charge · prosecutorial · impeach · censure · reproach · impugn · arraign · indict · accuse
vengeful
Wanting to harm back
- tit-for-tatEquivalent retaliation strategy
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
payback · counterattack · revenge · backlash · counterstrike · retaliate · avenge · mutual · escalating · bitter
faultfinding
Seeking out imperfections
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- condemnatoryExpressing severe disapproval
- culpableDeserving of blame
blameworthy · scolding · upbraiding · berating · reproving · chiding · admonishing · lambasting · scapegoating · finger-pointing
argument
Reasoned case or dispute
- conflictOpposition between parties
- contentionAssertion or rivalry
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
altercation · feud · bickering · squabble · acrimonious · hostile · bitter · divisive · breakdown · fallout
recriminatoryexculpatory
Clearing of wrongdoing
exonerating · vindicating · absolving · clearing · acquitting
recriminatoryconciliatory
Meant to placate
placatory · forgiving · reconciling · peacemaking · appeasing
recriminatoryforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
reconciliatory · peacemaking · harmonizing · healing · magnanimous
crime, criminal, discrimination, incriminate, recrimination, recriminate, recriminations, recriminated, recriminating