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 Decades later, the past resurfaces, forcing them to confront old wounds, guilt, and the possibility of revenge in a country which has lost its innocence. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 July 2026 Finally, truly respecting time off, with no guilt for employees disconnecting, demonstrates a supportive culture. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Although stickier questions of guilt and accountability arise, Meriwether doesn’t waste time on an initial murder mystery. — Judy Berman, Time, 27 July 2026 Kohberger wrote that he was convinced that actual guilt was not an important factor in considering the plea acceptance. — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 27 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

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

Definition of regret

Noun

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
However, both may profoundly influence culpability, competency, and the fairness of criminal proceedings.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026