CULPABILITY Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

culpability

noun

ˌkəl-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Definition of culpability

as in blame

responsibility for wrongdoing or failure cannot find culpability where there is neither knowledge that a crime has been committed nor evidence of intent to commit a crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of culpability Multiple Democrats have come out in favor of ousting her, including two who called on her to resign shortly after the Ethics panel came back with its finding of her culpability. — Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026 Not Nico Harrison-level guilt, but culpability, which is why Kidd is no longer the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. — Mac Engel may 20, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026 Then, during the criminal proceedings, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, leaving his culpability in doubt. — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 11 June 2026 The family’s companies have settled many accusations of environmental violations by agreeing to pay fines and invest in better pollution prevention without admitting or denying culpability. — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for culpability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability

Noun

Instead, when concerns arise, blame is routinely shifted, and responsibility becomes one-sided.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

There are other options, but regardless of what’s on the table for the future, burnout deserves to be taken seriously rather than explained away out of pride, guilt, or habit.

— Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Crafted with better-for-you ingredients, Javvy's Instant Protein Coffee blend and viral Coffee Concentrate deliver guilt-free indulgence, offering craveable flavors without compromise.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of guilt

Browse Nearby Words

culminations

culpability

culpable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of culpability

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on culpability

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes