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 Fournier acknowledged the challenge but argued that new opportunities are emerging outside the studio system. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025 Hand in hand with this is acknowledging that San Diego has immense biodiversity, something that needs protecting. Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 While the majority of commentary online seemed to take Thug’s move as a misstep, there’s an undertone to the cover that at once acknowledges the current moment’s eerie push toward white nationalism while skewering the concept on its face. Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025 Still, Comey acknowledged the possible repercussions of such a move. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
Verb
  • Some players tacitly admitted their dislike for playing in a minor league stadium.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Shaun admitted the world saw a picture-perfect Hollywood couple, but the reality at home was drastically different.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the documentary, Noguera says Naso confessed to killing 26 people.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Maurice, Robert and Michael all confessed to the crime at different times over the next eight years.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Privately, political operatives from both sides concede that government shutdowns are bad for both parties.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, de Apziazu conceded streamers’ ambition and budgets are still leading to market-leading productions, even if fewer of them are made.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Martinez agreed that publicity moments on the carpet remain crucial but noted that some stars avoid them to steer clear of political questions.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Save on a clothes steamer with more than 80,500 five-star ratings and this Warner’s wireless bra that reviewers agree is soft, supportive, and comfortable.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on acknowledge

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