Definitions

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.

Roland found Eastman culpable of 10 of 11 counts of misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

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

However, this case argues those firms are culpable for business models designed to hold people's attention and promote content that winds up harming their mental health.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

She tries to laugh, and I laugh with her, feeling culpable and accused.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Vocabulary lists containing culpable

100 SAT words Beginning with "C"

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Feeling Sorry?

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!