GUILTS 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

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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 Illinois House committee will not decide Ammons’ guilt but will determine whether the facts support disciplining her as a House member — a process that could range from no penalty to expulsion. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Instead, shelve the guilt, and before making the ask, young families should look to reduce expenses. — John Shumway, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Built on a cheeky sustainability mission and cult-favorite dresses worn by celebrities and wedding guests, Reformation targets style-conscious shoppers seeking pieces that last without fast-fashion guilt. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Scher herself carried guilt and questions about that missed conversation with Pam for years. — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guilt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilt

Noun

The defense attorney said her client feels immense remorse for what both his family and Styles’ family have been through.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Sensing his son’s remorse for his hurtful words, dad was then able to have what seemed to be a helpful conversation with him about consent, accountability, and what to do when teasing crosses the line.

— Christian Dashiell, Parents, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

Ashley Christopher, an attorney and Howard alumna whose son is a sophomore there, thinks Howard shoulders some blame.

— Matt Brown, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
As Democrats and Republicans point the finger of blame at each other, even resorting to childish name calling, Americans are put in the uncomfortable position of trying to figure out who’s being truthful and who is lying.

— Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

Perez Hilton has expressed deep regret, particularly for stirring panic and fear among Hollywood celebrities through his popular blogsite.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Looking back at the work and seeing its effect on a new generation of filmmakers and fans, Araki has no regrets.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

Based upon their replies, occupying Allied officials ranked their culpability, then tried the worst offenders — most famously in the Nuremberg trials, but also in numerous local tribunals.

— Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
But the legal system’s binary standard—sane and guilty, or insane and not—fits imperfectly with human intuitions about culpability in tragedies like the Clancys’.

— Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

Definition of culpability

Noun

Portugal are stacked with world-class talent in midfield, and there is no shame in losing out on a spot to Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves or Bruno Fernandes.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
The idea with the channels seems to be that making the secret, private shame of scrolling into a collaborative activity will give it a new place in the home.

— Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026