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
Relevance
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
The prosecutor’s office put the onus on an unnamed ICE attorney.
—
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Rather, the rhetoric around preventing pregnancy places the onus of contraception on women.
—Jenna Vinson, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
The onus of leadership this season will not fall on Eldridge, but the likes of Adames, Chapman and Webb.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
Now, federal officials are tamping down expectations and placing the onus on Iran to stand down, an admission that a quick reopening may not be imminent.
—Ryan Cummings, Time, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Rather, the rhetoric around preventing pregnancy places the onus of contraception on women.
—Jenna Vinson, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
The onus of leadership this season will not fall on Eldridge, but the likes of Adames, Chapman and Webb.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
Now, federal officials are tamping down expectations and placing the onus on Iran to stand down, an admission that a quick reopening may not be imminent.
—Ryan Cummings, Time, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
Noun
-
The aluminum and paraben-free formula applies easily and doesn’t leave stains or residue.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Designed to blend easily, dry quickly, stay off your clothes (stain-free) and last about six to seven days.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s substantial academic disagreement and new thinking on many aspects of climate change — and numerous places to assess blame for what’s ultimately a global challenge.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Lead with the shared goal, then explain the sticking point without blame, since precision helps others trust your intensity.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In antiquity, technology was literally demonized, so there was no stigma in positioning oneself against it.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Long waiting lists, affordability issues and stigma often lead to people giving up on seeking help.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Crafted with better-for-you ingredients, Javvy's Instant Protein Coffee blend and viral Coffee Concentrate deliver guilt-free indulgence, offering craveable flavors without compromise.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Many of these dismissals were a result of the difference between what police need to arrest and what prosecutors need to prove guilt — which is a much higher burden, said DA spokesperson Mike Stolp.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
So long-reaching was the taint of that shame, Kentucky’s Bill Spivey died in Costa Rica, a practical exile after he not only was run out of the college game, he was banned from the NBA, too.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Spot Clean Stains For sweat stains, urine or spills, blot the area with a clean cloth and a mild cleaning solution.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The broad scenario is one in which Iran is, at best, a minor blot in the rearview mirror as America’s interests move elsewhere.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s so much shame around the body.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
That's due to lack of access, shame or embarrassment and just not knowing the symptoms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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