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.

She still carries guilt around the estrangement, especially as her father is no longer living, but she also understands that she needed that time away in order to process her childhood as a whole.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

She says being offered early tests gave her possible reasons for the miscarriage, which took away "the guilt and shame that you feel".

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Instead of debating or trying to guilt them into voting, I asked more questions.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

The book draws from a period when Raicek was grappling with guilt and shame, and started spending time with new circles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Piles and piles of regret, guilt, and grief spill over, a torrent I can’t stop.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Vocabulary lists containing guilt

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