What is another word for guilty?

Common synonyms for guilty include shamed, innocent, hangdog, shamefaced.

What is the opposite of guilty?

Antonyms of guilty include innocent, blameless, exonerated, acquitted, clear.

Synonyms for

Guilty

Adjective / ˈgɪlti: / Another word for guilty — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

feeling responsible for doing something wrong or against the law

Synonyms & similar words

shamed innocent hangdog shamefaced culpable blameworthy responsible answerable errant faulty sinful delinquent criminal convicted condemned shameful regretful remorseful apologetic contrite penitent ashamed chagrined

Synonyms by register

Formal

culpable responsible accountable liable

Informal

to blame at fault in the wrong

Literary

damned sinful transgressing

Antonyms

innocent blameless exonerated acquitted clear guiltless vindicated

Common collocations

feel guilty
look guilty
plead guilty
guilty conscience
guilty party
guilty verdict
guilty of murder

Word family

noun guilt

adjective guilty

adverb guiltily

Usage note

Often used in legal contexts, but also for personal feelings of wrongdoing. 'Guilty' describes a state of having committed a crime or an offense, or feeling responsible for something bad.

Compare "guilty" with another word →