culpable

[kuhl-puh-buhl] / ˈkʌl pə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

responsible for action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

guilty impeachable liable reprehensible responsible

WEAK

amiss answerable at fault blamable blameful blameworthy caught caught in the act caught red-handed censurable demeritorious dirty found wanting hung up in the wrong indictable off base out of line punishable sinful smoking gun to blame unholy wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

immune irresponsible

WEAK

blameless inculpable innocent not guilty right

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Damian Williams said Shah was the most culpable of the many defendants accused of participating in a nationwide fraud scheme.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

If found culpable, he could be suspended from the practice of law or disbarred in D.C.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

But much more money would be needed for real remediation, and other companies are likely to be culpable too, experts said.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Masondo added that a case of culpable homicide would be opened.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

When you explained what you’d really come to tell me the day I professed my feelings for him, I felt culpable because you’re right: I did lead you on.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Vocabulary lists containing culpable

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