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
• suspect
• perpetrator
• 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

Tomato plants can experience fruit and blossom drop for several reasons, but heat stress is the most common culprit, according to the experts. — The Spruce, 16 July 2026

Byrd suggested taking preventative measures by avoiding previous outbreak culprits like bagged salad, onion, snow peas and basil. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

At the epicenter of the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, where more than 3,700 residents have been infected, public health experts say a possible culprit under investigation is leafy greens. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

In Michigan — where more than 3,300 cases have been reported — officials say early information points to lettuce or salad greens as a possible culprit. — Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!