1
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
hoping to avoid the onus of failure by lowering expectations ahead of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blame
responsibility for wrongdoing or failure
he perpetually tries to shift the onus for any mistakes onto other team members
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of onus
Lastly, recognize that the onus for change is not solely on you and your partner.
—
Christina Balderrama-Durbin,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Peaco said the onus is on drone operators to check restrictions.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Furthermore, the onus should be on those alleging election crimes — not on public officials who seem to have conducted the election in a professional manner.
—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
Plus placing that onus on editors could put magazines in the unsavory position of policing writers.
—
Jasmine Vojdani,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Christina Balderrama-Durbin,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Peaco said the onus is on drone operators to check restrictions.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Furthermore, the onus should be on those alleging election crimes — not on public officials who seem to have conducted the election in a professional manner.
—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
Plus placing that onus on editors could put magazines in the unsavory position of policing writers.
—
Jasmine Vojdani,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
Noun
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The puncture left a hole in his sock between his big and middle toes, where a red stain formed.
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The latter would put a permanent stain on the 2026 World Cup and potentially damage the future of the sport in the United States.
Noun
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If emotions rise, pause to name the concern, then restate the common goal so the discussion shifts from blame toward practical steps and timelines everyone trusts.
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The blame game does not work anymore.
Noun
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Biddinger hopes the shrine at Queen of Heaven will help diminish the stigma that still often surrounds suicide.
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Experts say the misconceptions have often delayed diagnosis and brought stigma for children and their families.
Noun
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There are other options, but regardless of what’s on the table for the future, burnout deserves to be taken seriously rather than explained away out of pride, guilt, or habit.
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Crafted with better-for-you ingredients, Javvy's Instant Protein Coffee blend and viral Coffee Concentrate deliver guilt-free indulgence, offering craveable flavors without compromise.
Noun
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The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.
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There’s a purity here, the course free from the taint of bureaucracy governing so much of the academy.
Noun
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Dabbing the cloth in rubbing alcohol, working away the dirty blots on the glass, waiting for the haze in my head to focus, and a new line to come to me.
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Allow the garment to soak for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove it from the detergent solution and blot with a white paper towel or cloth.
Noun
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Women often bear the brunt of the shame and grief that comes from divorce, and for many women, divorce can be seen as a personal failure.
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Concurrently, adult children often feel shame about accepting money and can also feel judged by the older generation.
Cite this Entry
“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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