1
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly
he fessed up to breaking the antique vase only after his guilt was obvious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to confess
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid
at first he denied everything, but eventually he realized that he had no choice but to fess up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fess (up)
Verb
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Trump officials have rebuked the Biden administration for allowing millions of asylum seekers into the country through the southern border, arguing that doing so has endangered public safety by admitting potential criminals.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026 -
Even prosecutor Laurie Baio admitted that, despite Kassotis' inconsistencies, jurors might have doubts about his guilt.—
Erin Moriarty,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Eventually, Friedmann identified himself and confessed.—
James Verini,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
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Cheryl’s father had died years earlier, not knowing that someone had confessed.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But with casualties rising and Trump acknowledging the possibility of a lengthy campaign, the question confronting his coalition is no longer theoretical.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
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If worries spike, try acknowledging them in writing to stop them from circling your mind.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Creuzot, who conceded Wednesday after the final results were released, thanked supporters, voters and his family, and congratulated Givens.—
Jane Harper,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
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And if this week has been any indication, the players may be closer to conceding ground than owners.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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