Definitions

accuse

[uh-kyooz] / əˈkyuz /

VERB

place blame for wrongdoing, fault

Synonyms

STRONGEST

allege arraign arrest attack blame brand charge cite complain denounce implicate indict name prosecute sue summon

STRONG

apprehend attribute betray censure criminate finger frame impeach impute incriminate inculpate libel litigate recriminate slander slur tax

WEAK

blow the whistle bring charges file claim hang something on hold accountable lay at door let have it lodge complaint pin on point finger at serve summons

Antonyms

STRONGEST

applaud approve commend defend exculpate exonerate free let go pardon praise retreat support

STRONG

compliment flatter protect

WEAK

absolve vindicate

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 can’t accuse anyone else of treason,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Lawyers for CPL accuse some of the former workers who spoke to the BBC of having "an axe to grind" against the company.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

The basic problem, as these courts identified, is that the government failed to accuse these doctors of any plausibly unlawful conduct, rendering the subpoenas invalid.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

It is her way of responding publicly to critics who accuse her of betraying her former boss and aligning with Washington.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

These are ones who move through the aisles silently, avoiding eye contact, afraid at every step that someone will recognize them and accuse them of whatever horrible, unspeakable thing they did to survive.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing accuse

Wasn't Me: The Lingo of Laying Blame

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 4

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Dead End in Norvelt

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!