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
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Recent Examples of culpability
Not to be outdone, Meta, fighting a pivotal lawsuit about its culpability with teens and social media addiction, also started multiple super PACs recently, dumping in tens of millions to support candidates — Republican or Democrat — who are against AI regulation (or at least any laws with teeth).
—
Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
For decades, industries hoping to avoid regulation have reminded us about our personal culpability for social problems.
—Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
The clash over Wexner’s naming rights has emerged as a proxy PR war running parallel to the ongoing legal fight over Ohio State’s culpability for Strauss’ abuse—with the first of those cases scheduled to go to trial this fall.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The autopsy report, however, is only a classification of how the person died and does in itself not imply that the death was intentional or determine any criminal culpability.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for culpability
Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
For decades, industries hoping to avoid regulation have reminded us about our personal culpability for social problems.
—Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
The clash over Wexner’s naming rights has emerged as a proxy PR war running parallel to the ongoing legal fight over Ohio State’s culpability for Strauss’ abuse—with the first of those cases scheduled to go to trial this fall.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The autopsy report, however, is only a classification of how the person died and does in itself not imply that the death was intentional or determine any criminal culpability.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for culpability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
-
Despite the ministry identifying the desalination plant attack as coming from an Iranian airstrike, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied responsibility for the strike and shifted the blame to Israel.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Peters is not alone in accepting blame for his generation.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With busy schedules, sitting down to eat a meal as a family can be tricky and cause feelings of guilt.—
Dr. Sarah Kinsella,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
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The Israeli justice ministry has since advised Herzog against the move, citing the lack of a conviction, the absence of remorse or admission of guilt.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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