admits; admitted; admitting
1
: to say usually in an unwilling way that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something)
He admitted (to me) that he didn't know the answer.
You know you're wrong. Why don't you admit it? [=why don't you say that you're wrong?]
You know you're wrong! Admit it!
He finally admitted his mistake. [=he stopped denying that he had made a mistake]
I hate to admit it, but he's right.
He admitted his guilt. = He admitted that he was guilty. = He admitted being guilty.
I didn't think I'd like the movie, but I have to admit that it was good. = The movie was good, I have to admit (it). = The movie was good, I must admit.
She has refused to admit defeat. [=to admit that she has been defeated]
2
: to let in (someone or something): such as
a
: to allow (someone) to enter a place
This ticket admits one person.
He admitted them into his office.
b
: to allow (someone) to join a club, group, etc.
They refused to admit her to/into the club.
c
: to accept (someone) as a patient in a hospital
The patient was very sick when she was admitted to the hospital.
He was admitted last night for chest pains.
d
law
: to allow (something) to be considered as evidence in a legal case
The judge decided to admit the evidence.
Cite this Entry
“Admit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/admit. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
