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
Much of the onus falls on Fox and Castle — the team’s two remaining leading scorers — but others need to join the fray as well.
—
Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Apr. 2026
The onus put on actors is so silly to me.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
The onus is on her to make sure her objectivity is not skewed in any way.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
That ultimately puts the onus on the incoming rookie class to contribute from Day 1, something that Sullivan especially expects from players selected in the first three rounds.
—Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Apr. 2026
The onus put on actors is so silly to me.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
The onus is on her to make sure her objectivity is not skewed in any way.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
That ultimately puts the onus on the incoming rookie class to contribute from Day 1, something that Sullivan especially expects from players selected in the first three rounds.
—Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
Noun
-
By that time, an EPA panel had determined the type of stain-resistant chemicals used by carpet manufacturers were likely carcinogenic.—
DYLAN JACKSON,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
-
Photos showed large, blue stains on the counter and floor, indicating blood had been cleaned from those areas.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
About eight in 10 respondents said gas prices are straining their household budgets, and 63% blame Trump for that increase given the war with Iran.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
9 May 2026
-
Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire for Friday and Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a truce that was supposed to begin on May 6, but neither of them held as the parties traded blame for continuing attacks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The proceeds will go toward the nonprofit, which seeks to support people living with addiction and move past the stigma that surrounds substance use abuse disorder.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
The emotional and psychological toll of HS is well documented, driven by chronic pain, unpredictable flares and the stigma associated with visible symptoms.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The judge also made clear the scope of a preliminary hearing is limited, focused on whether prosecutors can establish probable cause, not determining guilt or innocence, but said the defense still needs sufficient time to prepare given the volume of material.—
Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
The guilt swells and swells while the sweater sits and sits.—
Liana Satenstein,
Vogue,
8 May 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
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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
-
Use Soap And Water Tackle any paint left on the carpet or rug by creating a soap and water solution with a few drops of soap, and continuing to blot.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
-
Mix a mild detergent with water and gently blot stains with a soft cloth or sponge.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Traits once seen as stabilizing — empathy, humility, shame — are recast as liabilities in a world that prizes speed, dominance and certainty.—
Sarah DaVanzo,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
-
Emotions such as guilt, shame, and jealousy may also reflect underlying concerns, relationships, or values.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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