acknowledge

Definition of acknowledgenext

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 What the band acknowledges is that Rancho brought them visibility and a much broader reach. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026 Additionally, the Phantom also played without defensive anchor Aliyah Boston, who won Defensive Player of the Year in which Plum acknowledged after the game. Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News/WANA / via Reuters But the Defense Department has acknowledged the use of Tomahawk missiles in the war. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026 Except, as the document later acknowledges, there’s no evidence the prayer occurred. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
Verb
  • The hospital, which admitted Bolsonaro with high fever, sweating and chills, has also said that his inflammatory markers are increased.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • In Rhode Island, again, public testimony is only admitted at the discretion of the committee chair.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Theah Loudemia Russell, 19, confessed to suffocating Harvey and attempting to suffocate another child, according to murder and assault charges.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026
  • So did confessing to a crime, oddly.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Energy Secretary Chris Wright erroneously posted — and then deleted — a message that the US Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the strait near Iran, only for the White House to concede no operation had occurred.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Kidman also stripped down, so to speak, in the conceding interview.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Aim for clear headlines and concise notes, and agree on timelines to ensure your reputation reflects focus and reliability.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Their paths cross again when Cory accidentally hits Donny’s bicycle with his car and, as penance, agrees to drive him around town for a week to do errands.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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