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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of onus
Without him, the onus would fall squarely on Stidham, but Dobbins has been practicing and should suit up.
—
Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
This is consistent with investigative reporting by numerous media outlets and federal and state government reports that have squarely placed the onus for event safety crises on organizers, operators and contractors - not performers.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
The onus is on employers to upskill their workforce to keep pace with AI adoption.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
The onus is on us to keep coyotes away from our homes.
—Lisa Bloch, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
This is consistent with investigative reporting by numerous media outlets and federal and state government reports that have squarely placed the onus for event safety crises on organizers, operators and contractors - not performers.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
The onus is on employers to upskill their workforce to keep pace with AI adoption.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
The onus is on us to keep coyotes away from our homes.
—Lisa Bloch, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
Noun
-
In addition to countless compartments, the bag also features a moisture-wicking interior lining, stain and water-resistant coating, and sturdy zippers to keep everything inside secure.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Add shelves, apply stains, paint, and customize it even more to give yourself a unique backyard getaway.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When a team has a losing or mediocre season over several seasons shouldn’t the coach take some of the blame.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Hopes for a quick resolution to the Homeland Security spending bill dimmed Thursday as negotiations devolved into a blame game among Republicans and Democrats over who should be talking to whom.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But most of these commercials air quietly, like in New York’s campaign to fight addiction stigma, without big names like Svedka or during costly Super Bowl time.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also planning campaigns in and around the Super Bowl to address the stigma around obesity drugs.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Much of it is guilt by association — on the grounds, if nothing else, that elites should have known better than to associate with such a man.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The files are not findings of guilt, and some critics have raised concerns about releasing confidential and uncorroborated material concerning those who have not been charged with a crime.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The taint of being part of the cheating 2017 Astros has worn off over the years, and Cubs fans are banging the drum for Bregman’s arrival, excited to have an offensive upgrade from Matt Shaw, who can still learn a lot from playing multiple positions and watching from the bench.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Vacuum and blot up any excess liquid or debris, then apply your cleanser or solvent.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
30 Jan. 2026
-
If using a buildable tint, blot, then reapply a thin second layer.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Pair it with their signature warm nuts drenched in Tap Roots’ homemade spicy maple syrup, which is destined to put the hot honey craze to shame once word gets out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
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With the Presidents Day Weekend sales ushering in an abundance of deals on some of Amazon’s best loungewear sets, now’s the time to stock up on easy two-piece outfits that’ll put your current favorites to shame.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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