culpability 1 of 2

as in blame
responsibility for wrongdoing or failure cannot find culpability where there is neither knowledge that a crime has been committed nor evidence of intent to commit a crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

culpable

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word culpable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of culpable are blamable, blameworthy, and guilty. While all these words mean "deserving reproach or punishment," culpable is weaker than guilty and is likely to connote malfeasance or errors of ignorance, omission, or negligence.

culpable neglect

How are the words blameworthy and blamable related as synonyms of culpable?

Both blameworthy and blamable apply to any degree of reprehensibility.

conduct adjudged blameworthy
an accident for which no one is blamable

When could guilty be used to replace culpable?

While in some cases nearly identical to culpable, guilty implies responsibility for or consciousness of crime, sin, or, at the least, grave error or misdoing.

guilty of a breach of etiquette

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 culpability
Noun
Ought Yasmin take their urging and accept culpability for her family? Nina Li Coomes, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024 Caspar did not agree, at least not entirely, that the woman was without blame or culpability. Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Carter: The United States is exceptionally culpable. Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 The arrest comes after authorities filed charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the 42-year-old actor, his security detail, and theater management. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for culpability 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
  • The arrests raised questions about whether there is a real attempt to seek justice or a political move underway to deflect the blame for Ukraine's battlefield challenges, which include troop shortages and problems with mobilization.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Manchester City were 4-2 down and some of the blame could be put on Keating for almost all of the goals City conceded.
    Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Years later, Hughes pleaded guilty to a criminal conflict-of-interest charge for collecting a $5 million fee from the sale while representing the city in the transaction.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Both Brittney and Bernadette pleaded guilty to their roles in Whitwell’s murder, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than dwelling in guilt, choose one family or charity to help.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The study found that the top triggers of emotional commerce were excitement at 70 percent, FOMO with 65 percent and guilt at 55 percent.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But even more blameworthy has been the president’s assault on U.S. institutions, which began long before the novel coronavirus appeared and will be felt long after it is gone.
    Daron Acemoglu, Foreign Affairs, 23 Mar. 2020
  • His political support group consists mainly of sycophants who seek status by riding his popular coattails, while the erstwhile staff of his late presidential office have either now become subjects for criminal prosecution or — if not blameworthy — are adamantly urging against his return.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 3 May 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near culpability

Cite this Entry

“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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