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

After allowing 271 passing yards to Auburn last week, the primary culprit in all 39 of the Tigers’ points, Florida defensive coordinator minced few words about what lies ahead if nothing changes. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

The two-part November 13, Sonia’s Choice recounts the true story of a woman at the heart of the hunt for the culprits of the Paris terror attacks on November 13, 2015, who is now living in hiding. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Though Nesmith was a former Dog and was never part of Lamb’s operation, Lamb and River are certain that Harkness is the culprit and are naturally concerned about what’s coming next. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

And, unsurprisingly, the culprit behind this significant, long-term ice loss? — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026

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