guilty pleasure

noun

: something pleasurable that induces a usually minor feeling of guilt

Examples of guilty pleasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The dysfunction of the rich satisfies like a guilty pleasure. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 This one promised not only travel-show vibes but, perhaps, a sprinkling of reality TV, another guilty pleasure of mine. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 By the time our couple emerges bloody and blissful into the daylight, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma has done more than stump for guilty pleasures. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 Executives and casting directors are happy to meet with the stars of their favorite guilty pleasures. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guilty pleasure

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guilty pleasure was in 1907

Rhymes for guilty pleasure

See All Rhymes for guilty pleasure

Browse Nearby Words

guilty party
guilty pleasure
guilty/troubled conscience
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guilty pleasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guilty%20pleasure. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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