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

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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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fess (up)

Verb

When in May the government admitted that the exam papers for medical and dental courses had been leaked and that millions would have to re-sit nationwide, long held discontent exploded into widespread anger.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
While speaking to Access Hollywood in July 2019, the Hobbs & Shaw actor admitted that his then-2-year-old son was able to get away with more with him rather than his mom.

— Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of admit

Verb

The room quieted as the program paused to acknowledge people whose lives and work had affected the community.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Sarah Beaver, Jaxson’s mother, captured the tension running through many of the statements, acknowledging details of Colt’s difficult childhood that emerged during the prosecution of his father.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 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.

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fessing (up)

fess (up)

fest

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“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fess (up)

verb

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