GUILT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

guilt

noun

ˈgilt

Definition of guilt

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing he was wracked with guilt after he accidentally broke his sister's antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blame

responsibility for wrongdoing or failure the chief financial officer was saddled with the guilt for the company's failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 guilt The jury’s guilt-innocence verdict appears to be an assessment that Royal intentionally or knowingly caused Watkins’ death, but not during a robbery. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026 De Leon said her son was lucky to survive but still struggles with his injury and guilt. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026 Her entire section abides by the general expectations of realism, though her thoughts and feelings are warped by religious guilt. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 This version centers a guilt-racked and traumatized Odysseus—and leaves gods and fates, mystery and wonder largely out of the picture. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for guilt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilt

Noun

Defense counsel Kalidass Murugayan said the student has been living in Singapore without family support and expressed deep remorse for his actions.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Venus and Saturn are opposing each other in your money houses (exact on August 21), which looks like possible buyer’s remorse, but will more likely show up in interpersonal contexts where the mutual exchange isn’t actually very mutual.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

The harder cases sound optimistic, proactive, collaborative, and even self-aware, while resentment, blame, negativity and a lack of accountability lurk just underneath the polished delivery.

— Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Especially when placing blame on the true miscreant is so easily avoided, just blame the Jew.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

There was so much depth to the story, as society has been dealing with the effects of loneliness, depression, feelings of regret, and the fear of being forgotten.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
An undated text message, reportedly sent months later, hinted at Hernandez’s possible regret.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026