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

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 guilty Another escapee, Corey Boyd, had pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge. Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 Matar was also found guilty of assault for injuring Reese. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 May 2025 He was found guilty of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 17 years to life with the possibility of parole. Erin Moriarty, Liza Finley, CBS News, 4 May 2025 Austin ultimately pleaded guilty to 15 counts related to both cases in October 2013, just two days before his murder trial was scheduled to start, NBC News reported. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for guilty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilty
ashamed
Adjective
  • While red, inflamed skin was often seen as the norm, my flares—ranging from deep brown or purplish dry patches to clusters of tiny, itchy bumps—looked more like a disease to be feared and ashamed of rather than understood and treated.
    Raelle Kennedy, Health, 12 May 2025
  • Otherwise, higher education will transform our sons and daughters into people who feel ashamed of themselves and hate their country.
    James Unnever, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Guilty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guilty. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on guilty

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