finger-pointing

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of finger-pointing The sudden blowup was the most heated public exchange of words between world leaders in the Oval Office in memory, as the usual staid work of diplomacy descended into finger-pointing, shouting and eye-rolling. Zeke Miller, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025 Such finger-pointing was common practice at the commission’s quarterly meeting in early February, where families, friends and supporters of people who have died in custody of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office asked the commission to deem the jail out of compliance with minimum standards. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2025 No finger-pointing, no turf wars, no power grabs. Bill Morris, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025 Even still, political finger-pointing began almost immediately. Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for finger-pointing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finger-pointing
Noun
  • Three top aides were ousted about a week ago over accusations of leaking, and then the chief of staff whom the other aides accused of conspiring against them was moved out of his role, before getting ousted, too.
    The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Porsha Williams’ birthday trip ended with a shocking accusation on the April 27 episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Nearly half is devoted to shifting all blame for October 7 to Bar, absolving himself.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Although Joe never met him, Clyde’s not shy about casting blame in his direction.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The latest attack sparked outrage and drew international condemnation, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The time for condemnation is over, Denmark's representative, Christina Markus Lassen, said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dina got to be with him, Dina got to spend that last day with him, and there's a lot of guilt and regret on Ellie's part.
    EW.com, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Families who lose a loved one are prone to mental health deficits such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, compounded by feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame, and condemnation, often resulting in social isolation.
    William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Similarly, in the legal profession, lawyers who violate state bar codes of conduct are subject to discipline, such as censure, suspension, or loss of license to practice law.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Representative Lauren Boebert has criticized her colleague Representative Chrissy Houlahan, the Pennsylvania Democrat who introduced a motion of censure against the Colorado Republican on Monday.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Finger-pointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finger-pointing. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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