GUILT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

guilt

noun

ˈgilt

Definition of guilt

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing he was wracked with guilt after he accidentally broke his sister's antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blame

responsibility for wrongdoing or failure the chief financial officer was saddled with the guilt for the company's failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 guilt Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 For Germans, displays of patriotism are broadly considered gauche, owing to the enduring national guilt from World War II. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 29 June 2026 In May, Crisp entered an Alford plea, which carries the same weight as a guilty plea but does not require a defendant to admit guilt, only that there’s enough evidence to convict them, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 2 July 2026 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. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for guilt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilt

Noun

Fort Worth residents can now weigh in on the next steps in a transportation project that has caused headaches and buyer’s remorse in a changing neighborhood.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
The communication reportedly did not seek payment and included language expressing remorse, a detail experts say is unusual in genuine ransom demands.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

Instead, when concerns arise, blame is routinely shifted, and responsibility becomes one-sided.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of blame

Noun

Sherriff, who debuted with the Cardinals in 2017, expressed regret at never pitching at Dodger Stadium, citing the cumulative toll of 13 years of uncertainty.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Using 10,000 rocks, more than seventy-five 80-pound bags of concrete, and over $1,000 in supplies, Ruggie has no regrets about his 14-foot deck burned in a shou sugi ban style.

— Barbara Bellesi Zito, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

With wonder and with great shame the yodel is an orphaned sound, a sound that turns the serenade toward an addressee that is destined to never hear it.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Altitude is going to be a leveller, just a shame there are no West Bromwich Albion players in the England squad.

— Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026