burden of proof

NOUN

responsibility to prove something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

onus

WEAK

onus probandi responsibility

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.

But setting aside the burden of proof required in a courtroom, this outcome was hard for many in the court of public opinion to accept.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“The stock’s dip is probably more panic and less thesis collapse. Until proven otherwise, Nvidia is still the leader, but the burden of proof has shifted,” said Bill Birmingham, managing director of REX Financial.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“There is no game of chance here; the system is designed to flag these data gaps and shift the burden of proof onto the taxpayer,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 14, 2026

The court also asked the federal government to consider "legislative interventions", like shifting the burden of proof on to the accused from the victim.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

The burden of proof is on the prosecution.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose