Synonym Chooser

How is the word guilty different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of guilty are blamable, blameworthy, and culpable. While all these words mean "deserving reproach or punishment," guilty implies responsibility for or consciousness of crime, sin, or, at the least, grave error or misdoing.

guilty of a breach of etiquette

How are the words blameworthy and blamable related as synonyms of guilty?

Both blameworthy and blamable apply to any degree of reprehensibility.

conduct adjudged blameworthy
an accident for which no one is blamable

When could culpable be used to replace guilty?

The words culpable and guilty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, culpable is weaker than guilty and is likely to connote malfeasance or errors of ignorance, omission, or negligence.

culpable neglect

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guilty Today's guilty pleas bring us one step closer to ridding this dangerous gang activity from Nassau County communities. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 The subsidiary also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud while Credit Suisse worked out a deferred prosecution agreement, according to the release. Shayla Colon, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The guilty plea to the one count involved the two victims, according to Contra Costa District Attorney spokesperson Ted Asregadoo. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 Mohammed was set to formally plead guilty on Friday with his two co-defendants scheduled to follow next week. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for guilty 

Thesaurus Entries Near guilty

Cite this Entry

“Guilty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guilty. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on guilty

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