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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of onus
The lines between artists and influencers will only continue to get murkier, and the onus will be on those tuning in to trust their instincts when something doesn't seem to pass the smell test.
—
Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
The Cubs are the only legacy team in Chicago to finish over .500 in the 2024 or ’24-25 seasons, and with Tucker in the house, the onus is on them to break the city’s postseason drought — not counting the Bulls’ play-in berths.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
The ideal situation would be for Charlotte to put the onus on him.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Google is pushing back against other major technology companies’ efforts to put the responsibility of age verification on the app stores, arguing the onus is on both the stores and developers to boost children’s safety.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onus
Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
The Cubs are the only legacy team in Chicago to finish over .500 in the 2024 or ’24-25 seasons, and with Tucker in the house, the onus is on them to break the city’s postseason drought — not counting the Bulls’ play-in berths.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
The ideal situation would be for Charlotte to put the onus on him.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Google is pushing back against other major technology companies’ efforts to put the responsibility of age verification on the app stores, arguing the onus is on both the stores and developers to boost children’s safety.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
Noun
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While any first-round loss is a stain on the Lakers’ legacy, at least this loss comes with hope.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
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Although it’s made from a cushy fabric, the rug won’t hold stains and just needs to be spot-cleaned with soap and water.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Nearly half is devoted to shifting all blame for October 7 to Bar, absolving himself.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Although Joe never met him, Clyde’s not shy about casting blame in his direction.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
McLaughlin argues that stigma and misinformation have colored many clinicians’ perspectives.—
Frieda Klotz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Respect requests for accommodations, such as quiet spaces or extra time. Speak up against stigma or unfair treatment.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Dina got to be with him, Dina got to spend that last day with him, and there's a lot of guilt and regret on Ellie's part.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Families who lose a loved one are prone to mental health deficits such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, compounded by feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame, and condemnation, often resulting in social isolation.—
William Mullane,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Catholicism offers ritual without the tedium of rationality; anarchism offers revolutionary action against inequality without the taint of materialism, the prospect of personal gain.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
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Driving the news: Researchers from Oregon State sent a bunch of Oregon pinot — some with smoke taint, some smoke-free — over to New Zealand for a taste test.—
Kale Williams,
Axios,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The ink blots of the past 20 years are dried all over Metal Gear Solid Delta.—
Ashley Bardhan,
Rolling Stone,
6 Feb. 2025
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How To Get Pen Out Of Clothes Pet Stains Remove any solids and blot wet areas with a paper towel.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Adidas Has Double Discounts on Comfy Sneakers and Travel-ready Styles—Deals Start at $27 Vionic Tide Melo Sandals $85 $55 at Amazon These Tide Melo sandals put regular flip-flops to shame.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2025
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After the Halls admitted the charges were true, both resigned in shame — Katie serving probation and Junifer going to federal prison for 16 months.—
Steve Patterson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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