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 Trump administration has acknowledged the authenticity of the assessment, first reported by CNN. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 This insight echoes what both managers and leaders have acknowledged. William Jones, USA Today, 26 June 2025 His comments came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged on Wednesday significant damage to its nuclear facilities following a 12-day conflict that began with Israeli strikes on key nuclear, missile, and military sites across Iran. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 Dawson, herself, acknowledged the frustration of wired bras. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
Verb
  • Nobody admits that all this activity serves as cover for avoiding the work that scares us: making real decisions, shipping imperfect products, having difficult conversations.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Adler responded by encouraging others to express interest in running the simulation for their organization (there is a form to fill out), but admitted that forecasts and predictions are hard.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • During an interview with the detectives, Owen confessed to the shooting and provided multiple corroborating details, police said Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant and took him into custody.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025
  • After being caught, Rudolph confessed to the crimes that killed two people in a plea bargain that took the death penalty off the table.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • In their five World Cup matches, the Netherlands conceded only two goals with Spitse on the pitch.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • To get to a supermajority on partial overrides, the four members conceded on some of Gloria’s vetoes, such as elimination of $250,000 for a homeless outreach team.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The University of Pennsylvania agreed to a resolution with President Donald Trump's administration to keep males out of women's sports and apologize to every woman swimmer who was affected by the presence of trans athlete Lia Thomas in the 2021-22 season.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • With Mitchell agreeing to his new two-year, $24 million deal with the Heat on Saturday, his salary for this upcoming season can start as low as $11.5 million.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on acknowledge

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