Synonyms of culprit

culprit

noun

ˈkəl-prət 

as in offender

a person who has committed a crime

the police caught the culprit a mere two blocks from the scene of the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offender
• criminal
• defendant
• lawbreaker
• perpetrator
• suspect
• malefactor
• miscreant
• crook
• accomplice
• principal
• villain
• perp
• convict
• outlaw
• wrongdoer
• misdemeanant
• thug
• trespasser
• transgressor
• desperado
• gun
• gangster
• jailbird
• triggerman
• fish
• sinner
• hooligan
• hoodlum
• mobster
• racketeer
• recidivist
• accused
• evildoer
• arrestee
• misdoer
• detainee
• backslider
• button man
• misfeasor
• gunsel
• gallows bird
• gunman
• enforcer
• hit man
• repeater
• blackhander
• relapser

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lawman
• gangbuster

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of culprit

If the household has a stronger funk lately, the culprit may be sitting in the pantry, not the laundry basket. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

But Allen, who ran for 59 yards on 14 carries, was far from the only culprit. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones cited communication as a primary culprit, so last week the defense added extra meetings to their usual preparation. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2026

If your living room is starting to feel a little dated, one of these common decor mistakes may be the culprit. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

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