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

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 sun lingered late, sleep came easily, and—for the first time on the trip—the guilt about not flying back for the funeral relented. — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026 The boiling point During what’s supposed to be a weekend of feasting, Gigi is eaten up by guilt. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 9 July 2026 The Clippers continued to put the onus of guilt onto Joe Sanberg, the co-founder of Aspiration who has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in a long-term scheme that defrauded lenders and investors of more than $248 million. — Law Murray, New York Times, 9 July 2026 The rage, resentment, guilt, shame, disappointment, endurance of it all. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for guilt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilt

Noun

Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

Instead, when concerns arise, blame is routinely shifted, and responsibility becomes one-sided.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

The weird, vaguely threatening statement doesn’t lay the groundwork for a productive night, so naturally the vibes are just all off as the boys hang, so much so that Christian regrets planning it altogether.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
But the filmmaker proves more interested in interrogating that ethos than recreating it, and few horror mythologies are better suited to exploring betrayal and regret than one built around the refusal to let the dead remain dead.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

Shared culpability The Platner campaign represented an electoral insurgency against the Democratic Party; now, there are going to be furious recriminations against those who launched it.

— Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
An assist, a breathtaking last-gasp clearance, and some culpability in the Canadian equalizer.

— Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 12 June 2026

Definition of culpability

Noun

With wonder and with great shame the yodel is an orphaned sound, a sound that turns the serenade toward an addressee that is destined to never hear it.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Altitude is going to be a leveller, just a shame there are no West Bromwich Albion players in the England squad.

— Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026