onus

noun

ˈō-nəs How to pronounce onus (audio)
Definition of onusnext
1
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace hoping to avoid the onus of failure by lowering expectations ahead of time

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 onus The onus should remain on utilities to pay, said Rex Frazier, the federation's president. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 The onus will fall not only on people experiencing homelessness, but also taxpayers whose money will go to finding solutions that get people off the streets. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026 Such a change — which Kessler said FDA has the authority to do — would put the onus on food makers to prove refined carbs and sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup are OK for human consumption. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 10 Aug. 2026 This would put the onus on retail investors to push the rally forward, according to the firm. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onus
  1. stain
  2. blame
  3. stigma
  4. guilt
  5. taint
  6. blot
  7. shame
Noun
  • Though stains on clothes can be permanent, the tomatoes' citric acid acts as a cleaning agent, often leaving Buñol’s streets cleaner than before.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Clean your bathtub weekly to prevent soap scum, stains, and hard water buildup.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • In addition, the American people have to share part of the blame.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Amid a mayoral election, Bass shifted the blame to Raman before visiting the community and talking to neighbors.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of blame
Noun
  • Simply having charges filed can mean a job loss, losing custody of kids, incarceration for months or years waiting for a trial, financial hardship and stigma.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Each flower must be picked and carefully dissected to remove three tiny red threads, known as stigmas.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stigma
Noun
  • Meta doesn’t have to admit guilt and almost a third of the fine is contingent on competitors adopting similar measures.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe Druckenmiller owning his AI use and receiving the Journal’s blessing heralds a new era of guilt-free mechanized writing.
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Even though Thiam denied knowledge of it and was cleared of involvement, the taint of the scandal led to his ouster.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • On top of worrying about making great wine, European producers will now have to mitigate against smoke taint, save their grapes from frost, and consider how to future-proof vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • If especially juicy, lightly blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Once the stain is gone, blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow the upholstery to air-dry completely.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of blot
Noun
  • There can be a lot of shame in the discussion if parents are in debt, Kerner said.
    — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Not just shame but gross unfitness for serving in a role at a state university.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of shame

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Cite this Entry

“Onus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onus. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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