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 The onus should be on lawmakers to protect children instead, the judge said. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 Building around Kon and Brandon Peterson was reluctant to tab anyone on the roster as the next face of the franchise, unwilling to put the onus on either of tier two rising stars Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026 The onus is on the audience to get on board with that flipped dynamic — but doing so is rewarding. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026 Hoboken remains one of the many cities that put the onus to fix sidewalks onto adjacent property owners. — Wes Marshall, The Conversation, 2 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
  • Another criminalist testified earlier in the multi-day probable cause hearing that several Clorox-type wipes covered in brown stains were found in an inner trash bag placed inside the outer bag.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • Removing Stains From Linoleum Floors Linoleum floors can get stains and discoloration from heavy foot traffic, food spills, pets, or heavy furniture that’s been sitting on them for some time.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The harder cases sound optimistic, proactive, collaborative, and even self-aware, while resentment, blame, negativity and a lack of accountability lurk just underneath the polished delivery.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Especially when placing blame on the true miscreant is so easily avoided, just blame the Jew.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of blame
Noun
  • In interviews, women and the advocates who work with them cited fear of retaliation, social stigma and a widespread belief that authorities will not act.
    — Raul Roman, NPR, 25 July 2026
  • Elizabeth Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research, or amfAR, in 1985 after watching friends suffer from HIV/AIDS and its stigma.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of stigma
Noun
  • Diamond said there’s no doubt the Park Fire was a tragedy for many people, but that the prosecution did not prove her client’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
  • The film is said to follow a repressed philosophy professor who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • There’s a purity here, the course free from the taint of bureaucracy governing so much of the academy.
    — Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • This will likely go down as the lowest point – the blot on what has been a surprisingly bright summer.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
  • The only blot on an otherwise solid opening week for the World Cup expansion loyalists.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of blot
Noun
  • His aggression should put riders who rode for the lower GC places, rather than stage wins, to shame.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Because many women have dealt with demoralization and shame for years, cognitive behavioral therapy can also help.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 July 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 30 Jul. 2026.

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