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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Example Sentences

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 Sam becomes the subject of an intense missing persons investigation and a dead giveaway for Robbie’s culpability should he be discovered by Perry (Jamie McShane), a biker gang member seeking revenge for the crime. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 The aversion to speaking of death is compounded by collective culpability. Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025 Nevertheless, no substantial evidence has ever proved Gein’s culpability. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 Khan, who led the agency in bringing the lawsuit against Amazon, suggested that the FTC had absolved the company of its full culpability by agreeing to settle. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for culpability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
  • Stolarz shouldn’t shoulder all the blame for allowing four goals through two periods.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • On both sides of the ball, the Jets haven't been able to get enough done, but more of the blame falls on the offense.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Concern was etched in her voice and guilt rang through me.
    Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Parents can enjoy guilt free screen time , which is actually educational.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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