Definition of culpabilitynext
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 Based upon their replies, occupying Allied officials ranked their culpability, then tried the worst offenders — most famously in the Nuremberg trials, but also in numerous local tribunals. — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 But the legal system’s binary standard—sane and guilty, or insane and not—fits imperfectly with human intuitions about culpability in tragedies like the Clancys’. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 However, both may profoundly influence culpability, competency, and the fairness of criminal proceedings. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 However, the move did not clear the produce company from culpability. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for culpability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability
Noun
  • Quarterbacks often get too much credit and blame, and there will forever be a debate over how much their win-loss records as a starter should be weighed compared to accuracy, touchdown passes and avoiding interceptions.
    — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Several other Nike shoes in recent years have been criticized for coming in heavy, such as the Pegasus Premium and Vomero Premium, with the blame largely being laid on Air Zoom.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In the ad, Yang unloads on his therapist, played by comedienne Ana Gasteyer, about his guilt over gatekeeping a really fantastic beauty product from the group chat.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Unfortunately, this announcement means The Beast in Me, much like the characters in The Beast in Me, carries a dark guilt at its core.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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