culpability

noun

cul·​pa·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkəl-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce culpability (audio)
Synonyms of culpability
: responsibility for wrongdoing or failure : the quality or state of being culpable
moral/legal/criminal culpability
He refuses to acknowledge his own culpability.
Culpability for our failure to reduce petroleum imports falls across the political spectrum.—Gregg Easterbrook

Synonyms of culpability

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Examples of culpability in a Sentence

cannot find culpability where there is neither knowledge that a crime has been committed nor evidence of intent to commit a crime
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The chain of events that led to this moment is contested, with those involved denying culpability. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 June 2026 While both sides are poised to argue the intent and culpability of the May 2 shooting at future court dates, what isn’t up for debate is what happened next. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 Daniel denied culpability, claiming that the funds supplied to Trevez had been for back pay performed while the couple were in Cuba. — News Desk, Artforum, 26 May 2026 An assist, a breathtaking last-gasp clearance, and some culpability in the Canadian equalizer. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for culpability

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of culpability was in 1652

Rhymes for culpability

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Browse Nearby Words

culpa
culpability
culpable
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Cite this Entry

“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culpability. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on culpability

Nglish: Translation of culpability for Spanish Speakers

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