Synonyms for

Guilt

Verb / gɪlt / Another word for guilt — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, or wrong, whether real or imagined

Synonyms & similar words

guiltfeelings innocence guiltiness guilttrip guiltyconscience shame remorse regret penitence contrition compunction self-reproach self-condemnation blame culpability responsibility wrongdoing misdeed fault sin offense crime transgression trespass violation

Synonyms by register

Formal

culpability remorse accountability responsibility

Informal

bad conscience feeling bad being in the wrong

Literary

compunction penitence contrition

Antonyms

innocence blamelessness justification exoneration acquittal vindication

Common collocations

  • feel guilt
  • overcome guilt
  • sense of guilt
  • guilt trip
  • guilt complex
  • guilt and shame
  • guilt by association

Word family

noun guilt
verb guilt-trip
adjective guilty

Usage note

Guilt refers to the feeling of responsibility or remorse for having done something wrong. It is often associated with moral or legal transgressions.

Example sentences

  1. He felt a sense of guilt for breaking the vase.
  2. She experienced guilt for not studying for the test.
  3. The criminal showed no sign of guilt for his actions.
  4. The teacher accused the student of cheating, but he denied it with guilt in his eyes.
  5. The mother felt guilt for not spending enough time with her children.

Quotes

  • Guilt is a rope that wears thin.
  • Guilt is the price we pay willingly for doing what we are going to do anyway.
  • Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion of death.

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