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
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Recent Examples of culprit
Nutrition changes could be a culprit.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Mar. 2026
The fatal beating of 17-year-old honors student Stuart Tay at a Buena Park home did indeed become a reality on New Year’s Eve in 1992, drawing international attention when a group of academically gifted teens from mostly stable, well-off families were identified as the culprits.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026
While several features of the modern political landscape contribute to political stress, one culprit in particular is alarmingly efficient at converting politics into chronic stress – social media.
—Stephen Neely, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
Chronic stress can affect the body, but cortisol itself isn’t the culprit.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for culprit
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Mar. 2026
The fatal beating of 17-year-old honors student Stuart Tay at a Buena Park home did indeed become a reality on New Year’s Eve in 1992, drawing international attention when a group of academically gifted teens from mostly stable, well-off families were identified as the culprits.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026
While several features of the modern political landscape contribute to political stress, one culprit in particular is alarmingly efficient at converting politics into chronic stress – social media.
—Stephen Neely, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
Chronic stress can affect the body, but cortisol itself isn’t the culprit.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for culprit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culprit
Noun
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Although when Brink was run from behind into the boards in the second period, Brock Faber took it upon himself to drop the gloves with the Vegas offender, earning a fighting major and a 10-minute misconduct.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
7 Mar. 2026
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Armond Langford, 32, is facing multiple charges including robbery, kidnapping, assault, wanton endangerment, fleeing/evading police, burglary and persistent felony offender.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Whatley said those policies threaten law enforcement officers and public safety, arguing that criminals belong behind bars and pledging to continue backing law enforcement.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
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The decisive action of the Mexican government is positive for families on both sides of the border who suffer the devastating consequences of the activities of these transnational criminals.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Culprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culprit. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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