1
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
hoping to avoid the onus of failure by lowering expectations ahead of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of onus
Berube had placed the onus of responsibility on those stars, slotting Nylander with Matthews against the Blackhawks.
—
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
The ban puts the onus of responsibility on social media companies rather than parents with a penalty of up to $33 million if found to be in breach.
—Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
The law, passed last year, prohibits them from using social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok but places the onus of enforcement on the companies.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2025
For heterosexual couples trying to conceive, the onus is typically still placed on the woman.
—Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onus
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
The ban puts the onus of responsibility on social media companies rather than parents with a penalty of up to $33 million if found to be in breach.
—Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
The law, passed last year, prohibits them from using social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok but places the onus of enforcement on the companies.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2025
For heterosexual couples trying to conceive, the onus is typically still placed on the woman.
—Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
Noun
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Spray the mixture onto the stain and then blot with a clean microfiber cloth.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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For larger messes, the stain-resistant rug is also machine-washable for quick and hassle-free maintenance.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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While no blame was assigned, the hearings were open to the public and often gave interested parties, including family members of the person killed, their first opportunity for answers.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
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Both cases are apt to serve as models for how to prevent the kind of school shootings still plaguing the nation and could set legal precedent for who shoulders the blame when children have access to guns and open fire on campus.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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With so much stigma on trying to revive long-dormant shows, some stars and showrunners would rather just gather for a reunion special.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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For more than three decades, Ralph has embodied that light, using her platform to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and uplift communities through her nonprofit, The DIVA Foundation.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Both adamantly denied their guilt at their arraignment.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges and accepts punishment.—
Jim Saunders,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The film centered on the Environmental Protection Agency encasing the Simpsons’ hometown of Springfield in a dome after Homer taints the area’s water supply.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Sep. 2025
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Take care not to touch the glands, or your hands will carry their taint to the meat.—
Maurice H. Decker,
Outdoor Life,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Spray the mixture onto the stain and then blot with a clean microfiber cloth.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
-
After a few minutes, blot the area and wash the item by hand.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There is no place for intimidation or ego tripping disguised as ‘leadership,’ or for using titles and stages to instill fear and shame instead of empower.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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There is no place for intimidation or ego tripping disguised as 'leadership' or for using titles and stages to instill fear and shame instead of empower.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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