as in accusation
the act of blaming someone for a problem instead of trying to fix or solve it
Engaging in finger-pointing will not help us solve the problem. There was no shortage of finger-pointing among executives after the movie bombed at the box office.
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Recent Examples of finger-pointing
Bass sacked Kristin Crowley a month after the January 2025 Palisades Fire, and her dismissal was followed by finger-pointing between the ex-chief and City Hall over the blaze's devastation and the fire department’s funding.
—
ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
The requirement has been a source of infighting and finger-pointing.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Welles, who was nominated for four Grammys in 2025, is a gifted lyricist, and his finest verses use cascades of slant rhymes to move subtly from specific finger-pointing to broader implication.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
The revelation ignited a new round of finger-pointing and accusations inside an already combative primary.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finger-pointing
ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
The requirement has been a source of infighting and finger-pointing.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Welles, who was nominated for four Grammys in 2025, is a gifted lyricist, and his finest verses use cascades of slant rhymes to move subtly from specific finger-pointing to broader implication.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
The revelation ignited a new round of finger-pointing and accusations inside an already combative primary.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finger-pointing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finger-pointing
Noun
-
Nacua’s attorney denies the accusations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
In the aftermath of the New York Times investigation that reported Huerta’s allegations, and accusations made by other women, leaders across California began removing Chavez’s name from local observances and making plans to rename buildings.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite the ministry identifying the desalination plant attack as coming from an Iranian airstrike, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied responsibility for the strike and shifted the blame to Israel.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Peters is not alone in accepting blame for his generation.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Reporting on this new policy prompted public condemnation as well as a letter of inquiry from senior House Republicans.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The bill drew swift condemnation from rights groups and Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.—
Gonzalo Zegarra,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With busy schedules, sitting down to eat a meal as a family can be tricky and cause feelings of guilt.—
Dr. Sarah Kinsella,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
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The Israeli justice ministry has since advised Herzog against the move, citing the lack of a conviction, the absence of remorse or admission of guilt.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After the Easter break, her case could be heard by the full Committee on Ethics, which has an array of options ranging from a public censure to expulsion.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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In April, the committee will recommend a punishment to be voted on by the full House, something that could range from a censure, removal from committees, or expulsion itself.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finger-pointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finger-pointing. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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