FESS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

fess (up)

verb

ˈfes

Definition of fess (up)

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

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

Ahead, Entertainment Weekly takes a look at 10 onscreen romances where at least one party involved admitted that their kiss was far from cinematic.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Then, instead of admitting wrongdoing when news of the surveillance came to light, the FWC doubled down, releasing a page of cutouts of social-media posts, stripped of context and identity.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of admit

Verb

Cole joined the group but later confessed everything to Kacie, who laughed it off, allowing the couple to move past the incident before their wedding.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Also on Monday, the German confessed that the Valencia native’s plight influences how the attack lines up in 2026/2027.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of confess

Verb

But as demonstrations attracted larger crowds, the government was forced to acknowledge them and respond to their growing influence.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
While acknowledging a desire for the honor, Overeem states he's not overly bothered, having faced similar situations throughout his long career.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of acknowledge

Verb

Hoeld conceded that the recent World Cup tournament had not really added to Puma’s top line in any substantial way.

— Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Megan Romer, a DSA national co-chair and ordained ruling elder within the Presbyterian Church (USA), conceded socialism is a troubling concept for some people of faith.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of concede

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.

Browse Nearby Words

fessing (up)

fess (up)

fest

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fess (up)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

torpor

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes