own up

verb

owned up; owning up; owns up

intransitive verb

: to admit to being responsible for something
denied having broken the window, but later owned up
usually used with to
They owned up to having broken the window.

Examples of own up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Individual funds can only own up to 20% of a single franchise. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 17 Dec. 2025 Amid the heartbreak and some frustration, Carroll head coach Riley Dodge congratulated DeSoto, and the Dragons took the loss on the chin, owning up to their mistakes. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025 December’s astrology is about being honest with yourself, and finally owning up to what your heart truly wants. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025 It can be used for babies who can sit up on their own up through preschool. Anja Webb, Parents, 28 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for own up

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of own up was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Own up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/own%20up. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on own up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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