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
Artists have also used their works to explore themes of culpability and punishment, and to demonstrate the consequences of infidelity for the families of the adulterers.
—
Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025
Max was reportedly considering an exit from the team, and many believe the exit of the team's centerpiece scared the higher-ups into axing Horner.
Both Max and Jos, however, deny culpability in the matter.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Eventually, the idea of contamination becomes more metaphorical, providing an image or a reference point for how Tabo’s culpability, and that of his mother, spreads to the three central characters.
—Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
This muddying of the central characters’ culpability is fatal to the whole enterprise.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for culpability
Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025
Max was reportedly considering an exit from the team, and many believe the exit of the team's centerpiece scared the higher-ups into axing Horner.
Both Max and Jos, however, deny culpability in the matter.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Eventually, the idea of contamination becomes more metaphorical, providing an image or a reference point for how Tabo’s culpability, and that of his mother, spreads to the three central characters.
—Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
This muddying of the central characters’ culpability is fatal to the whole enterprise.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for culpability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
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Peers are thriving in the very same economy that Dine’s board and management blame for their struggles.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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There was plenty of blame to go around Friday night following the Chiefs’ 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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So, foster an environment where taking time off is normalized and supported, not something that creates anxiety or guilt.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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Commenters asked her lots of questions about the case, including what evidence convinced her of Donna’s guilt.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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