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.

Monday's announcement came days after Adani agreed to pay a separate $18 million settlement in a US civil court case linked to corruption, without admitting guilt, according to one of his other companies.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Judith explained how they kept an eye on them until the police arrived, and after officers spoke to them, the couple admitted their guilt and later paid up.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Levi described being deeply shaken by his encounter with the book, and by the guilt that torments Josef K despite his innocence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Katie spends much of the season vacillating between raging at Archie and feeling guilt over falling for his manipulative overtures.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

It is strange what guilt will do to a person’s imagination.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing guilt

Beowulf vocabulary

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Moustache" and "Who We Really Are"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Module 1: Vocabulary Video Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!