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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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 His longstanding interest in free will led to the 2022 co-edited volume Agency in Mental Disorder, which brings philosophical reasoning about limits and culpability to bear on addiction, mental illness, and psychotherapy. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 June 2025 France released a scathing assessment of its own culpability. The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025 That stack also featured several books by David Irving, a disgraced British historian who has denied the existence of the Nazi gas chambers and helped popularize the theory about Mr. Churchill’s culpability in World War II espoused by Mr. Cooper on Mr. Carlson’s show. Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 An inspector general's report later noted the institution's culpability in failing to supervise the duo. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for culpability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
  • The New York Yankees' infield has underperformed this season, and one of their former top prospects is not free of blame.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Russia has so far refused U.S. proposals for a 30-day ceasefire, and Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also placing blame on Ukraine for not making a deal to end the fighting.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • There was overwhelming evidence of his guilt, including his DNA on the knife sheath, cell site evidence the night of the murders, video surveillance of his white Hyundai Elantra, and Amazon search and purchase history of the murder weapon.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Still unaware of the Front Man’s true identity, Gi-hun grapples with survivor’s guilt and begs to be killed.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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