ONUS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

onus

noun

ˈō-nəs

Definition of onus

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

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 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 During negotiations on the billionaire tax, essentially put the onus on Newsom to force unrelated private hospitals and clinics to unionize their employees, the sources said. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 This puts the onus of protection back on employees and their ability to discern the real from the fake—a vulnerability that no firewall addresses. — Mark Beare, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 The onus should be on lawmakers to protect children instead, the judge said. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for onus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus

Noun

Ashley Loring Heavy RunnerKimberly Loring Heavy Runner Kimberly says that sweater had red stains on it.

— Dateline NBC, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
How to Clean Sunscreen From Upholstery Furniture cushions, upholstered chairs, and car seats are all likely to suffer a sunscreen stain or two each season.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of stain

Noun

Ashley Christopher, an attorney and Howard alumna whose son is a sophomore there, thinks Howard shoulders some blame.

— Matt Brown, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
As Democrats and Republicans point the finger of blame at each other, even resorting to childish name calling, Americans are put in the uncomfortable position of trying to figure out who’s being truthful and who is lying.

— Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

But even as India opened its doors to foreign investment in the 1990s, igniting a middle-class boom, the country carried the stigma of poverty.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Unlike many spices that come from the roots or leaves of plants, saffron comes from the flower’s stigma on the Crocus sativus plant.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of stigma

Noun

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
The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Definition of taint

Noun

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
Seal granite to enhance stain resistance, blot spills immediately, and use coasters, trivets, and mats to prevent damage.

— Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of blot

Noun

For the countless women who either never bounce back or bounce back slowly, social media can add a layer of shame.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Which is a shame, because these guys were just as talented (if not more talented) than some of the more popular axe-slingers of the 80s.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of shame

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“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of onus

noun

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