16 Other Ways to Say GUILTY | Guilty Synonyms (Examples)

Feeling guilty happens to everyone at some point. There are many ways to express this emotion depending on the situation. Words like culpable, blameworthy, at fault, and responsible can describe someone who feels or is guilty. In this article, we will explore 16 best synonyms for guilty and show how to use them in sentences.

16 Different Ways to Say GUILTY: Another Word for Guilty

Culpable

Culpable is used when someone is clearly responsible for a mistake or wrongdoing. It is a strong word that often shows legal or serious responsibility. Using culpable highlights that the person cannot avoid blame. This word works well when talking about accidents, crimes, or big errors. People often use it in formal situations, but it fits daily life too. Using culpable can make your sentence sound confident and direct.

• He was culpable for the broken vase.
• The company was culpable for the data leak.
• She felt culpable after forgetting the appointment.

Blameworthy

Blameworthy points to actions that deserve criticism. It can describe someone's choices or mistakes without sounding too harsh. This word is great when you want to show fault clearly. Blameworthy can be used in workplace, school, or personal contexts. It emphasizes that the person has a role in the negative outcome. Using blameworthy helps in explaining why someone is at fault calmly.

• His late submission was blameworthy.
• The decision was blameworthy and caused delays.
• She was blameworthy for the missing documents.

At Fault

At fault is a common phrase for pointing out responsibility. It is very clear and easy to use when describing accidents or errors. This phrase is suitable in legal, social, or informal settings. Saying someone is at fault highlights their part in the problem. It doesn't sound too formal but clearly shows responsibility. At fault is a practical word for daily conversations and reports.

• The driver was at fault in the crash.
• She admitted she was at fault for the mistake.
• He was at fault for the software error.

Responsible

Responsible shows someone has control over a situation or outcome. It's positive and negative depending on context. Responsible works well for jobs, tasks, and personal mistakes. It shows accountability and reliability, or the lack of it. Using responsible highlights both authority and obligation. This word fits in school, work, and family situations.

• She is responsible for the project.
• He is responsible for losing the keys.
• They were responsible for organizing the event.

Remorseful

Remorseful describes deep regret and sadness over a wrong action. It shows emotional awareness of guilt. Remorseful is strong for personal apologies and relationships. Using it highlights honesty and sincerity. This word is effective in storytelling or when explaining feelings. It shows someone understands their mistake deeply.

• He was remorseful for lying.
• She felt remorseful about cheating on the test.
• They were remorseful for their argument.

Ashamed

Ashamed conveys embarrassment and guilt at the same time. It's often used for personal mistakes. Ashamed works when someone feels bad about themselves. Using it in conversation makes feelings relatable and clear. It's great for family, school, or friendship contexts. This word shows self-awareness and regret.

• She was ashamed of missing the birthday.
• He was ashamed of being late.
• They felt ashamed of their behavior.

Contrite

Contrite emphasizes sincere regret and desire to make amends. It is often used in formal or serious contexts. Contrite shows that the person really feels sorry. It works well in apologies, letters, and speeches. Using contrite highlights humility and responsibility. It's strong for expressing true remorse.

• He was contrite for his harsh words.
• She seemed contrite after the mistake.
• They felt contrite for upsetting their friend.

Regretful

Regretful focuses on wishing one had done differently. It shows guilt and reflection. Regretful is flexible for daily life or storytelling. It works when explaining past actions or missed chances. Using it highlights self-reflection and awareness. This word helps show personal growth or learning.

• She was regretful about missing the meeting.
• He was regretful for not studying harder.
• They were regretful for the wrong choice.

Liable

Liable is often used in legal or official contexts. It shows clear responsibility and sometimes financial duty. Liable works well for businesses, accidents, or legal matters. Using it makes the responsibility undeniable. This word is precise and strong.

• The company is liable for damages.
• He is liable for the car accident.
• They were liable for the broken equipment.

Penitent

Penitent shows genuine sorrow and desire to correct wrongdoing. It often appears in moral or religious contexts. Penitent highlights humility and admission of guilt. Using it expresses honesty and intention to improve. This word adds depth to apologies or reflections.

• He was penitent after cheating.
• She seemed penitent for her harsh words.
• They were penitent about their actions.

Reproachful

Reproachful shows criticism and guilt together. It can describe facial expressions, tone, or behavior. Reproachful works when showing someone feels guilty about another's disappointment. Using it highlights visible or emotional guilt. It's practical in storytelling or personal conversations.

• Her reproachful look stopped him.
• He felt reproachful for missing the deadline.
• They were reproachful after the argument.

Accountable

Accountable is similar to responsible but stronger. It shows one must answer for results or mistakes. Accountable is perfect for work, school, and leadership contexts. Using it emphasizes obligation and duty. This word is useful in professional and personal settings.

• The manager is accountable for the results.
• She was accountable for the report.
• He is accountable for team mistakes.

Shamed

Shamed describes feeling humiliation and guilt. It is often emotional and personal. Shamed works when someone experiences social or internal blame. Using it highlights how actions affect self-esteem or public image. It's effective in storytelling or advice.

• He shamed himself by failing.
• She was shamed after the mistake.
• They felt shamed by their behavior.

Guilty-Conscience

Guilty-conscience shows ongoing guilt that affects thoughts and sleep. It highlights emotional consequences. Using it helps explain personal reflection and regret. This phrase works for storytelling, advice, and moral lessons.

• Her guilty-conscience kept her awake.
• He struggled with a guilty-conscience after lying.
• They suffered from a guilty-conscience all day.

Self-Reproaching

Self-reproaching is about blaming oneself for mistakes. It shows internal guilt and reflection. Using it works in personal growth, storytelling, and personal conflicts. This word emphasizes self-awareness and responsibility.

• He was self-reproaching for missing the meeting.
• She felt self-reproaching after the argument.
• They were self-reproaching for the accident.

Remediable

Remediable shows the mistake can be fixed. It highlights that guilt or responsibility has a solution. Using it is great for problem-solving and advice. It's practical in personal, work, and legal situations.

• The error was remediable if handled.
• She realized the problem was remediable.
• They found the issue remediable quickly.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right word for guilt helps express feelings clearly and accurately. Choosing from these 16 synonyms allows better communication in personal, professional, and social settings. Using them correctly improves how others understand responsibility and remorse.