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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Each company filed responses to Castillo’s lawsuit denying culpability for the accident.
—
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich follows the titular law firm worker who stumbles upon records involving the Pacific Gas & Electric Company's culpability in a contamination incident.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026
Instead, the book offers a bitingly funny and occasionally heartbreaking twist on the classic Instagram-versus-reality story, and a space to address our own culpability within the safe confines of fiction.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Lukáš Dostál surrendered six goals on 29 shots, with culpability to spread around between him and his defense.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for culpability
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich follows the titular law firm worker who stumbles upon records involving the Pacific Gas & Electric Company's culpability in a contamination incident.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026
Instead, the book offers a bitingly funny and occasionally heartbreaking twist on the classic Instagram-versus-reality story, and a space to address our own culpability within the safe confines of fiction.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Lukáš Dostál surrendered six goals on 29 shots, with culpability to spread around between him and his defense.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for culpability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
-
On Sunday, Juan Soto said the blame falls on the players — not on Mendoza or president of baseball operations David Stearns — after the Mets fell to 9-19, tied for the worst record in baseball.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But the players should take their fair share of the blame, too.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Family separations cause grief, confusion, attachment disruption and guilt for children, often leading to lifelong emotional and psychological suffering.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
In September 2011, Rapo was sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison after previously pleading no contest — which cannot be used as evidence of guilt in a civil matter — to second-degree manslaughter.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
