as in offender
a person who has committed a crime
the police caught the culprit a mere two blocks from the scene of the 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 culprit
In many cases, the culprit is a hidden stimulant, although high-dose B vitamins and niacin can also contribute to symptoms in some cases.
—
Sara Hoffman,
Verywell Health,
29 June 2026
Should designers, who work in an industry that is one of the biggest culprits for greenhouse gas emissions, at least be making clothes that people could reasonably aspire to wear in the hellfire summers to come?
—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Body soil, soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew are common culprits in a dirty shower.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
28 June 2026
So, if some of your favorite dishes don't have the same punch, expired spices could be the culprit.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for culprit
Sara Hoffman,
Verywell Health,
29 June 2026
Should designers, who work in an industry that is one of the biggest culprits for greenhouse gas emissions, at least be making clothes that people could reasonably aspire to wear in the hellfire summers to come?
—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Body soil, soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew are common culprits in a dirty shower.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
28 June 2026
So, if some of your favorite dishes don't have the same punch, expired spices could be the culprit.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for culprit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culprit
Noun
-
Independence Day celebrations come in the most challenging threat environment since 9/11, with the ongoing terror threat, a rise in political violence and continuing fears about lone-wolf offenders, according to Raia.
-
There were also concerns listed in the analysis that the registry, which dates back to 1947, could include LGBTQ+ offenders from decades ago who were convicted of offenses that are no longer crimes.
Noun
-
Data that appears to be compliance information to a regulator can appear to be a target list to a criminal.
-
The Colorado attorney general oversees more than 700 attorneys and staff and manages legal manners spanning consumer protection, civil rights, criminal, water, constitutional and environmental law.
Cite this Entry
“Culprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culprit. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
