cui bono
noun
cui bo·no
ˈkwē-ˈbō-(ˌ)nō 
1
: a principle that probable responsibility for an act or event lies with one having something to gain
2
: usefulness or utility as a principle in estimating the value of an act or policy
Examples of cui bono in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One principle to keep in mind: the reader should always ask ‘cui bono’, who benefits from a particular piece of disinformation.
—
Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
One of the most important questions in an investigation is about establishing motive, summed up by the Latin phrase cui bono, or Who benefits?
—Garrett M. Graff, Wired, 9 Aug. 2022
The question to ask in a leak case is always, cui bono?
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 3 May 2022
For the many who embrace climate change as a progressive cause, watch in the coming years for who benefits, cui bono.
—William Levin, National Review, 15 Dec. 2020
The question that underlies the nocturnal ritual fantasy is cui bono?
—Talia Lavin, The New Republic, 29 Sep. 2020
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Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
One of the most important questions in an investigation is about establishing motive, summed up by the Latin phrase cui bono, or Who benefits?
—Garrett M. Graff, Wired, 9 Aug. 2022
The question to ask in a leak case is always, cui bono?
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 3 May 2022
For the many who embrace climate change as a progressive cause, watch in the coming years for who benefits, cui bono.
—William Levin, National Review, 15 Dec. 2020
The question that underlies the nocturnal ritual fantasy is cui bono?
—Talia Lavin, The New Republic, 29 Sep. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Cui bono.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cui%20bono. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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