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.

Kilduff had been due to stand trial this week before admitting her guilt.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

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

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

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

Mama was trembling as she hugged Anya, and Anya’s guilt at scaring her mother welled up.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack

Vocabulary lists containing guilt

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Module 1: Vocabulary Video Words

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