inculpatory

adjective

in·​cul·​pa·​to·​ry in-ˈkəl-pə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce inculpatory (audio)
: implying or imputing guilt : tending to incriminate or inculpate
an inculpatory statement

Examples of inculpatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chicago police coerced the teens into making false confessions and inculpatory statements and withheld evidence that would have proven them innocent, according to the lawsuits. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 June 2024 David Diaz-Jogeix of freedom of expression organization Article 19 said, echoing a major argument by the defense lawyers, who say the indictment lacks inculpatory evidence. Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2020 After Wilkes published an especially stinging pamphlet, his home was raided for inculpatory papers. Fortune, 11 Oct. 2017 In that instance, the judge was directed to let the state continue questioning uncooperative co-defendant Steven Bradley in order to lay a foundation to introduce an inculpatory statement given to police in 2014. Ken Daley, NOLA.com, 28 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inculpatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inculpatory was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near inculpatory

Cite this Entry

“Inculpatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inculpatory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

inculpatory

adjective
in·​cul·​pa·​to·​ry in-ˈkəl-pə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce inculpatory (audio)
: incriminating
made inculpatory statements to the police
compare exculpatory

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