CULPABILITIES Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'culpable' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of culpable are blamable , blameworthy , and guilty . While all these words mean "deserving reproach or punishment," culpable is weaker than guilty and is likely to connote malfeasance or errors of ignorance, omission, or negligence. // culpable neglect

Q: How are the words 'blameworthy' and 'blamable' related as synonyms of 'culpable'?

Both blameworthy and blamable apply to any degree of reprehensibility. // conduct adjudged blameworthy // an accident for which no one is blamable

Q: When could 'guilty' be used to replace 'culpable'?

While in some cases nearly identical to culpable , guilty implies responsibility for or consciousness of crime, sin, or, at the least, grave error or misdoing. // guilty of a breach of etiquette

culpability 1 of 2

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

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culpable

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkəl-pə-bəl

as in guilty

deserving reproach or blame are you any less culpable for murder if you acted in the heat of passion?

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How is the word culpable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of culpable are blamable, blameworthy, and guilty. While all these words mean "deserving reproach or punishment," culpable is weaker than guilty and is likely to connote malfeasance or errors of ignorance, omission, or negligence.

culpable neglect

How are the words blameworthy and blamable related as synonyms of culpable?

Both blameworthy and blamable apply to any degree of reprehensibility.

conduct adjudged blameworthy

an accident for which no one is blamable

When could guilty be used to replace culpable?

While in some cases nearly identical to culpable, guilty implies responsibility for or consciousness of crime, sin, or, at the least, grave error or misdoing.

guilty of a breach of etiquette

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

Noun

But the show refuses to paint him with monstrous broad strokes, offering enough glimpses of humanity to leave his culpability in doubt. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 The judge has also noted that doctors on witness lists for the defense and prosecution will likely offer different opinions on Clancy’s mental illness and culpability. — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 21 July 2026

Adjective

Bartscher granted a downward departure, finding that Ryan’s conduct was less serious than typical culpable negligent cases and citing her remorse, court records show. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026 In addition to the probe by the Maldives government, prosecutors in Rome have opened a culpable homicide investigation into the tragedy, sources told the Italian news agency ANSA. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for culpability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for culpability

Noun

The author contends the Fed cannot control price shifts stemming from sophisticated global cooperation, new technologies, or supply chain disruptions, making blame for inflation or expectations of quick fixes unrealistic.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Other people are rarely the focus of blame in cases where fathers kill their children.

— Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

Four suspects pleaded guilty, including mastermind David Voss, and Benji admitted guilt and had his case administered through a First Nations restorative justice program, while charges against two were dropped, CityNews notes.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Paxton did not have to admit guilt, but was required to pay $300,000 in restitution and complete community service.

— Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of guilt

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culminations

culpability

culpable

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“Culpability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culpability. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of culpability

noun

adjective

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