Definitions

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.

Addressing Holloway, who was in tears in the dock, Judge Rees said he was "seemingly consumed by guilt".

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

This week, the Supreme Court issued an unsigned order reversing a lower court decision that had determined a man’s guilt based on new facts that had never gone before a jury.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

Shi - whose birth name is Liu Yingcheng - had earlier admitted his guilt, China's state Xinhua news agency reported.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

A woman reunites with a father she hasn’t seen in decades and faces the guilt she felt after her mother left him.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

She dropped it in my hand, and I felt a stab of guilt.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

Vocabulary lists containing guilt

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Module 1: Vocabulary Video Words

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