Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Culpable
Deserving blame; guilty.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Imagine a courtroom label on a suspect's file that reads CULPABLE. A stamp slides over the page, declaring the person blameworthy as a judge weighs the evidence.
🔊
Sounds Like
KUL-puh-buhl
👀
Looks Like
culp + able, hinting at blame
📝
Remember This
Culpable comes from the Latin culpa meaning guilt. It is closely related to culprit; both revolve around blame.
📚
Other Forms
culpabilitynoun
culpablyadverb
🔗
Connect With
culprit, blame, guilt, responsibility, liable
📌
Note
Culpable implies moral or legal blame for a fault. It is commonly used with for/of, as in 'culpable for the accident' or 'culpable of wrongdoing'. It is not the same as merely being responsible in a neutral sense.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The jurors found him culpable of the burglary after reviewing the evidence.
- He was declared culpable for the accident due to his reckless driving.
Synonyms
blameworthyguiltyresponsiblereprehensible
Antonyms
innocentblamelessexculpated
Etymology
From Latin culpa 'fault, blame' + -abilis 'able', via Old French culpable and into English.
Mnemonic
Culpa means guilt, and 'able' means capable. CULP-ABLE = able to be blamed.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Neglect
verbTo pay little or no attention to; to fail to care for or attend to.
Revolutionary
adjectiveRelating to or causing a radical, transformative change; introducing innovations that drastically alter a field or practice.
Pragmatic
adjectiveDealing with things in a practical, realistic way rather than theoretical considerations; focusing on workable solutions.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.