as in offenders
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 culprits
On one occasion, his father, Marland, went out with a saw to hunt down the culprits.
—
Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The commute home is one of the biggest culprits.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Fungal infections, leaf spot diseases, scale insects, and spider mites are among the most common culprits.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reports the weapons were stolen this week, but investigators have not released details of how the culprits got into the home.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Dryers and washers are among the biggest culprits releasing them.
—Ryan Brennan
may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Here are 10 of the most common culprits—and how to stop them.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Widespread software and charging problems were the culprits.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
So, does Creasy expose the real culprits behind the deadly bombing and get Poe safely out of Brazil?
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The commute home is one of the biggest culprits.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Fungal infections, leaf spot diseases, scale insects, and spider mites are among the most common culprits.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reports the weapons were stolen this week, but investigators have not released details of how the culprits got into the home.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Dryers and washers are among the biggest culprits releasing them.
—Ryan Brennan
may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Here are 10 of the most common culprits—and how to stop them.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Widespread software and charging problems were the culprits.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
So, does Creasy expose the real culprits behind the deadly bombing and get Poe safely out of Brazil?
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culprits
Noun
-
My office will continue to work alongside law enforcement partners like the Antioch Police Department to hold armed offenders accountable and pursue justice on behalf of all those harmed.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
The most effective way to deter criminal behavior is increasing the perception that would-be offenders will certainly get caught and sanctioned.—
Sarah Anderson,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
When unhoused people are treated as criminals, they are pushed into an identity of exclusion rather than belonging.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
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That’s the job of law enforcement, who make arrests, judges who sentence criminals to pay for their crimes, and a parole board that cares about public safety.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Culprits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culprits. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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