Synonyms for

Culprit

Verb / ˈkʌlprɪt / Another word for culprit — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a person who is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing

Synonyms & similar words

perpetrator perpetrator wrongdoer offender criminal suspect lawbreaker delinquent malefactor sinner transgressor miscreant crook evildoer felon lawbreaker malefactor miscreant offender

Synonyms by register

Formal

offender perpetrator wrongdoer delinquent

Informal

bad guy guilty party the one

Literary

nefarious one wicked agent

Antonyms

innocent blameless guiltless law-abiding virtuous saint

Common collocations

  • the main culprit
  • identify the culprit
  • catch the culprit
  • find the culprit
  • blame the culprit
  • sole culprit
  • prime culprit

Word family

noun culprit

Usage note

Often used to refer to the person or thing responsible for a problem or undesirable outcome. Can sometimes be used humorously.

Example sentences

  1. The culprit was caught stealing from the store.
  2. The police are still searching for the culprit of the vandalism.
  3. The teacher discovered the culprit who drew on the walls.
  4. The culprit confessed to the crime.
  5. The detective gathered evidence to find the culprit.

Quotes

  • The culprit is often the one who first calls for the sheriff.
  • The culprit is always the last one you suspect.
  • The culprit is often the one who is least suspected.

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