accusation

noun

ac·​cu·​sa·​tion ˌa-kyə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce accusation (audio)
-(ˌ)kyü-
Synonyms of accusation
1
: a charge of wrongdoing
The evidence confirms the accusations made against him.
She denied the accusation.
2
: the act of accusing someone : the state or fact of being accused

Examples of accusation in a Sentence

Investigators have made accusations of corruption against a group of former officials. The police are investigating serious accusations of wrongdoing. He denied the accusation that he had lied to the police. There was a hint of accusation in his voice when he asked her where she had been.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Imagine Bret’s surprise to find Robert waiting for him on his bed, having been questioned again thanks to Bret’s accusations. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Garza wrote in her complaint that the accusations were unfounded and claimed that LeVota refused to show her the email. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Washington recently took a stake in a firm — run by a former Venezuelan government contractor who faces widespread corruption accusations — in an effort to tap the world’s largest oil reserves and tame fuel prices at home. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 One storyline set in 1932 is based on Lorca’s original play, about a young man named Carlos (Milo Quife) who applies for membership to his father’s casino but faces accusations of homosexuality. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accusation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English accusacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin accūsātiōn-, accūsātiō, from accūsāre "to blame, charge with a crime" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at accuse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of accusation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing accusation

Rhymes for accusation

See All Rhymes for accusation

Browse Nearby Words

accusant
accusation
accusations are flying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accusation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accusation. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

accusation

noun
ac·​cu·​sa·​tion ˌak-yə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce accusation (audio)
-yü-
1
: the act of accusing : the fact of being accused
2
: a charge of wrongdoing

Legal Definition

accusation

noun
ac·​cu·​sa·​tion ˌa-kyə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce accusation (audio)
1
: a formal charge of wrongdoing, delinquency, or fault
the accused shall enjoy the right…to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation—U.S. Constitution amend. VI
compare allegation, indictment, information
2
: the offense or fault of which one is accused
the accusation was murder

More from Merriam-Webster on accusation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for accusation

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