onus

noun

ˈō-nəs How to pronounce onus (audio)
Definition of onusnext
1
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace hoping to avoid the onus of failure by lowering expectations ahead of time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blame
responsibility for wrongdoing or failure he perpetually tries to shift the onus for any mistakes onto other team members

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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 onus This would put the onus on retail investors to push the rally forward, according to the firm. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Now that there’s seemingly a sense of stability, the onus is on Iamaleava to produce. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 Reeve, a 17-year head coach in Minnesota with four WNBA titles, placed the onus on WNBA leadership to ensure the league remains an inclusive space while also maintaining safety amid increasingly divisive conversations. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Benjamin Gibson, an attorney representing the state, said the onus was on the plaintiffs to prove the ballot summary was defective. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
  1. stain
  2. blame
  3. stigma
  4. guilt
  5. taint
  6. blot
  7. shame
Noun
  • More specifically, 55 percent of ready-to-wear consumers note their frustrations with sweat stains.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The most common culprits for grout stains are spills, cleaning residue, and mold/mildew buildup.
    — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The author contends the Fed cannot control price shifts stemming from sophisticated global cooperation, new technologies, or supply chain disruptions, making blame for inflation or expectations of quick fixes unrealistic.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Other people are rarely the focus of blame in cases where fathers kill their children.
    — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of blame
Noun
  • But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Many endured toxic early regimens, profound loss, persistent stigma, interrupted employment, and years of fragmented care.
    — Jeff Berry, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stigma
Noun
  • Four suspects pleaded guilty, including mastermind David Voss, and Benji admitted guilt and had his case administered through a First Nations restorative justice program, while charges against two were dropped, CityNews notes.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Paxton did not have to admit guilt, but was required to pay $300,000 in restitution and complete community service.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Even though Thiam denied knowledge of it and was cleared of involvement, the taint of the scandal led to his ouster.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • On top of worrying about making great wine, European producers will now have to mitigate against smoke taint, save their grapes from frost, and consider how to future-proof vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • If especially juicy, lightly blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Once the stain is gone, blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow the upholstery to air-dry completely.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of blot
Noun
  • Meizlish told the Washington Examiner that prior attempts to shame countries doing business with Iran, including China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, had fallen flat.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • And that's a shame, because the US could arguably use more cars like this, not fewer.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of shame

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Cite this Entry

“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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