Definitions

guilt

[gilt] / gɪlt /

NOUN

blame; bad conscience over responsibility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

culpability disgrace indiscretion liability regret remorse responsibility shame sin stigma

STRONG

answerability blameworthiness contrition crime criminality delinquency dereliction dishonor error failing fault infamy iniquity lapse malfeasance malpractice misbehavior misconduct misstep offense onus penitence self-condemnation self-reproach sinfulness solecism transgression wickedness wrong

WEAK

malefaction peccability

Antonyms

STRONGEST

happiness honor irresponsibility pride respect satisfaction

STRONG

advantage behavior benefit blessing correction good goodness kindness manners obedience perfection right strength success virtue

WEAK

innocence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mark Edmundson is a professor of English at the University of Virginia and the author of “The Age of Guilt: The Super-Ego in the Online World.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

But the Scottish star who has also appeared in Guilt, Shetland, and Dept Q, has revealed he spent some time considering the offer before agreeing to take part.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

Guilt 1: We overpaid/undernegotiated due to the market conditions and using a friend as a realtor.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 10, 2025

Guilt and shame can make these experiences difficult to verbalize or talk about, Mathai said.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2025

Guilt that he hadn’t been home yesterday or the day before to eat bologna sandwiches with Mr. Mosley.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing guilt

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Module 1: Vocabulary Video Words

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