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Synonyms

recriminate

American  
[ri-krim-uh-neyt] / rɪˈkrɪm əˌneɪt /

verb (used without object)

recriminated, recriminating
  1. to bring a countercharge against an accuser.


verb (used with object)

recriminated, recriminating
  1. to accuse in return.

recriminate British  
/ rɪˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt /

verb

  1. (intr) to return an accusation against someone or engage in mutual accusations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • recrimination noun
  • recriminative adjective
  • recriminator noun
  • recriminatory adjective
  • unrecriminative adjective

Etymology

Origin of recriminate

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin recrīminātus “accused,” past participle of recrīminārī “to accuse in turn,” from re- re- + crīmin- (stem of crīmen “accusation, blame, charge”; crime ) + -ārī, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I do not condemn, I do not recriminate, and I do not criticize Minister Mandetta,” Bolsonaro told reporters at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia.

From Washington Post • Apr. 16, 2020

"You recriminate upon my Viziers," interrupted the King; "truth which flows from their mouths confounds you."

From Eastern Tales by Many Story Tellers by Valentine, L. (Laura)

Besides, he might come and begin a string of abuse or complainings; I’m certain I should recriminate, and God knows where we should end! 

From Wuthering Heights by Brontë, Emily

All this supposes, that when the Lord would endeavour to convince them of iniquity, they did rather recriminate, and took not with their own faults.

From The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning by Binning, Hugh

But I want neither to recriminate nor expostulate; nor yet, Sir, to form excuses for my general conduct; for that you accuse not in the main—but be pleased, Sir, to read this letter.

From Pamela, Volume II by Richardson, Samuel