own

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb own contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of own are acknowledge, admit, avow, and confess. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.

must own I know little about computers

When can acknowledge be used instead of own?

Although the words acknowledge and own have much in common, acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.

acknowledged an earlier peccadillo

When is it sensible to use admit instead of own?

While in some cases nearly identical to own, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

Where would avow be a reasonable alternative to own?

The synonyms avow and own are sometimes interchangeable, but avow implies boldly declaring, often in the face of hostility, what one might be expected to be silent about.

avowed that he was a revolutionary

In what contexts can confess take the place of own?

In some situations, the words confess and own are roughly equivalent. However, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of own In addition, Reif Ehrlich says sports advertising continues to be a positive for Disney, which owns ESPN. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 12 July 2025 Kansas State has beaten the Jayhawks 16 straight times, but Missouri owns a razor-thin advantage in the Border War. Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025 One of the biggest challenges of owning white clothes is maintaining their whiteness. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
Verb
  • Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • One of the great mysteries of my family life is what possessed two teenage sisters at the turn of the 20th century to leave home in Rzeszow, Poland, and head for a new life in America.
    Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • In 1940, the federal government enacted The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibiting people from hunting, selling or possessing an eagle ‒ in effort to prevent further population decline.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Cops don't have to disclose when AI is used in every department, and Draft One does not save drafts or retain a record showing which parts of reports are AI-generated.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • Schools have used the money to recruit and retain educators during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Serving breakfast, an all-day menu, and dinner, everything can also be ordered directly to your room or enjoyed in the communal terrace dining space.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • In one of the clips, the 7-year-old could be seen enjoying some time with her friends while doing the whip and nae nae dance.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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