Synonyms of guilty

guilty

adjective

ˈgil-tē 

as in ashamed

suffering from or expressive of a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

she was burdened with a guilty conscience after ignoring the stranger's request for help

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ashamed
• embarrassed
• apologetic
• sorry
• shamefaced
• shamed
• remorseful
• blushing
• repentant
• regretful
• culpable
• contrite
• penitent
• sheepish
• blameworthy
• penitential
• rueful
• compunctious
• blamable
• chagrined
• hangdog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shameless
• unashamed
• unrepentant
• remorseless
• brazen
• impudent
• innocent
• blameless
• cheeky
• unapologetic
• impenitent
• guiltless

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guilty different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of guilty are blamable, blameworthy, and culpable. While all these words mean "deserving reproach or punishment," guilty implies responsibility for or consciousness of crime, sin, or, at the least, grave error or misdoing.

guilty of a breach of etiquette

How are the words blameworthy and blamable related as synonyms of guilty?

Both blameworthy and blamable apply to any degree of reprehensibility.

conduct adjudged blameworthy

an accident for which no one is blamable

When could culpable be used to replace guilty?

The words culpable and guilty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, culpable is weaker than guilty and is likely to connote malfeasance or errors of ignorance, omission, or negligence.

culpable neglect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of guilty

In 2015, documents were released relating to Epstein’s 2008 criminal case where Epstein pled guilty to the charges of solicitation of prostitution and procurement of a minor for prostitution. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

The elections will replace Karen Bennett, who resigned after pleading guilty to unemployment fraud, in the 94th, and Lynn Heffner, who resigned to refocus on Hurricane Helene rebuilding, in the 130th. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

William Brian Glass, 47, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to criminal confinement and domestic battery. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

According to court documents, 78 other people have been charged in connection with Feeding Our Future; 51 have pleaded guilty and seven others were convicted at trial. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026