What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
culprit
Example
The police are still searching for the culprit of the robbery. [culprit: noun]
Example
The culprit behind the company's financial troubles was identified as the CEO's mismanagement. [culprit: noun]
wrongdoer
Example
The school has a zero-tolerance policy for wrongdoers who cheat on exams. [wrongdoer: noun]
Example
The company fired the wrongdoer who leaked confidential information to the media. [wrongdoer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wrongdoer is more commonly used than culprit in everyday language. Wrongdoer is a versatile term that can be used in many different contexts, while culprit is more specific and often reserved for legal or criminal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between culprit and wrongdoer?
Culprit is more formal than wrongdoer. It is often used in legal or criminal contexts and has a more serious connotation. Wrongdoer is more casual and conversational, and can be used in a variety of situations.
