own (up)

Definition of own (up)next
as in to confess
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid had a strong suspicion about which coworker stole her food from the office fridge, but the likely culprit refused to own up

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for own (up)
Verb
  • Hernandez confessed to the crime, a confession his defense team argued was false and borne from mental illness.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Chester Weger confessed to the murders of three women in 1960, but was only convicted of one.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The company agreed to settle the case without admitting liability.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • But even Willis admits AI can be a helpful tool in the right capacity.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 30 June 2026
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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Cite this Entry

“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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