What is the antonym of “innocence”?
The antonyms of innocence are guilt, culpability, and corruption. These antonyms convey a negative or blameworthy state of being. They imply wrongdoing, fault, or moral decay.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
The state of being responsible for a wrongdoing or offense.
Example
He felt a sense of guilt after lying to his parents about his grades.
The state of being deserving of blame or fault for an action or event.
Example
The company's culpability in the environmental disaster was undeniable.
The state of being dishonest, immoral, or unethical in one's actions or behavior.
Example
The politician's corruption was exposed after an investigation into his financial dealings.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Guilt refers to the responsibility for a specific wrongdoing or offense.
- 2Culpability implies a more general sense of blame or fault for an action or event.
- 3Corruption describes a broader state of dishonesty, immorality, or unethical behavior.
Good things to know
- 1Legal Context: Use guilt and culpability in legal settings to describe responsibility for a crime or offense.
- 2Moral Discussions: Incorporate these antonyms in discussions about ethics, morality, and personal responsibility.
- 3Creative Writing: Utilize these antonyms in character development to create complex and flawed characters.