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bad conscience

NOUN

shame

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confusion contempt guilt humiliation irritation remorse scandal stigma

STRONG

abashment blot chagrin compunction contrition degradation derision discomposure discredit disesteem dishonor disrepute ignominy infamy mortification obloquy odium opprobrium pang reproach self-disgust self-reproach self-reproof shamefacedness smear stupefaction treachery

WEAK

ill repute loss of face pudency skeleton in the cupboard

Antonyms

STRONG

approval esteem honor meanness praise respect

WEAK

pride

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.

There is nothing new about the bad conscience or self-destructive urge that Baudrillard identified within Western civilization, or about its deeply rooted conflict between incompatible tendencies we might call liberation and domination.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

“I would have had a bad conscience if we only showed the bright sides of our past,” she said in an interview.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2021

Richard Nixon, a genuinely Shakespearean villain, had full knowledge of his wrongdoing and a bad conscience about it, if not enough of one.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 26, 2019

Describing an abrasive personality of long ago, he offers: "He followed me around like a bad conscience."

From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2014

She always had a bad conscience afterwards, but she couldn't help herself.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

bad conscience

Example Sentences

Related Words