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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of culprit
Women being dismissed by their healthcare providers is another culprit, says Tran, and without proper exams and X-rays, the disease goes undetected.
—
Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
Back and leg problems might be the culprit more than brain problems, but either way, the Giants still need him.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025
Even the rest of the cast seems confused—most of them don’t believe Angela would invent the scandal, but they’re also not sold on Phaedra’s being the culprit.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for culprit
Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
Back and leg problems might be the culprit more than brain problems, but either way, the Giants still need him.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025
Even the rest of the cast seems confused—most of them don’t believe Angela would invent the scandal, but they’re also not sold on Phaedra’s being the culprit.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for culprit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culprit
criminal
Noun
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Anti-crime priorities In his remarks, Abbott also unveiled some get-tougher-on crime proposals, including eliminating parole for criminals convicted of child trafficking.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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And despite promises by the administration to remove the worst criminals, ICE deportation data from Jan. 1 to June 24 shows most people who were removed or detained didn’t have a violent criminal record, CBS News reported.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Culprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culprit. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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