Search Dictionary
Definition of whataboutism

whataboutism

/ˌwʌt.əˈbaʊ.tɪ.zəm/
what · a · bout · ism
Plural:whataboutisms
•
Adjective:whataboutist
JUMP TO:

whataboutism Lexical Profile

whataboutism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The rhetorical practice or tactic of responding to an accusation or difficult question by making a counteraccusation or raising a different issue, thereby deflecting criticism.

Example

"Instead of addressing the audit findings directly, the spokesperson resorted to whataboutism by pointing out past mistakes made by rival firms."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for whataboutism
Antonyms
View all antonyms for whataboutism

• Nearby Words

wharton
what
whataboutery
whataboutism
whatcha
whatchacallit
whatchamacallit

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1970s from the rhetorical phrase 'what about...?' combined with the suffix '-ism', originally arising in commentary on political debates surrounding the Troubles in Northern Ireland and Cold War diplomacy.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whataboutism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whataboutism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.