acknowledge

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb acknowledge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of acknowledge are admit, avow, confess, and own. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," 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 acknowledge?

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

admitted the project was over budget

When could avow be used to replace acknowledge?

Although the words avow and acknowledge have much in common, 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 acknowledge?

The words confess and acknowledge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

When is own a more appropriate choice than acknowledge?

The words own and acknowledge can be used in similar contexts, but own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.

must own I know little about computers

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 acknowledge The documents detailing the plan acknowledge the potential for political friction should the governor refuse to work with the Pentagon. Alex Horton and David Ovalle The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2025 Astin has defended the deal while acknowledging that more work needs to be done. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025 User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,... A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on July 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025 AstraZeneca Plc's Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot broke ranks with his pharmaceutical industry peers earlier this week and acknowledged the current situation was unsustainable. Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
Verb
  • Even some of Trump’s toughest former advisers admit it — a solo U.S. invasion or drone attack without Mexico’s green light would be a dumb idea.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Speaking afterwards, the 28-year-old did not disclose his injury, but admitted the Patriots have been slow-playing his recovery.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In 1957, Gein confessed in the Wisconsin community of Plainfield to killing two local women, digging up bodies from graveyards, and using body parts and skin to make everything from trophies to lampshades.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Eric Stonestreet, known for his role on the show as Cameron Tucker, confessed last year that Hollywood life isn’t all it’s cut out to be.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Jenkins conceded in the early morning hours after hosting several dozen people for a watch party at The Enclave, on Detroit's northwest side, according to an email from her campaign.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Dos Santos took back over for Pablo Sisniega, who conceded only three total goals in four MLS starts but allowed five in SDFC’s two previous Leagues Cup losses.
    Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Under the deal agreed last month, Japanese auto exports into the US would face a 15% tariff, down from levies totaling 27.5% previously.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The news comes a day before President Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a cease-fire deal with Ukraine or face punitive sanctions.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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