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 OpenAI, for example, has acknowledged that safety features can degrade during longer chats. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025 Governments are acknowledging the need for bigger defense outlays. Editorial, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 Manning acknowledged that the defense stepped up to really help pick up the victory. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 In recent days, the Ukrainians have acknowledged that about 20% are not being intercepted. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Harris admitted the Biden administration made another error by not making Americans’ most pressing needs, such as affordable childcare or paid family leave, its top legislative priority.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Prior to Schleicher’s oncology appointment, she was notified that she would likely be admitted for aggressive treatment on July 31, 2025.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hernandez, of Maple Shade, New Jersey, confessed soon after his brother-in-law told detectives the store clerk may have been a suspect, The New York Times reported.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In December 1978, Gacy confessed to kidnapping, raping and murdering dozens of boys and men, some as young as 14 years old, and hiding many of their bodies in a crawl space under the house.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The result was comprehensive, with Spain only conceding one goal en route to the 4-0 victory over Italy in the final.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has seesawed over his support for Ukraine, suggesting last week that Kyiv should be ready to concede territory to Russia.
    Chloe Taylor,Tasmin Lockwood,Katrina Bishop,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Licensed psychotherapist Lucas Saiter agreed that a decline in crushes is common in adulthood.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Reasonable people from all sides of the current AI conversation agree that this particular paradigm shift is just different.
    Nick Tzitzon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on acknowledge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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