Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admit are acknowledge, avow, confess, and own. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

When would acknowledge be a good substitute for admit?

The words acknowledge and admit can be used in similar contexts, but acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.

acknowledged an earlier peccadillo

When can avow be used instead of admit?

The words avow and admit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would confess be a reasonable alternative to admit?

While the synonyms confess and admit are close in meaning, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

When is it sensible to use own instead of admit?

In some situations, the words own and admit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 admit And neither is really willing to admit their insecurities. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025 Evans had just concluded the offseason and admitted he feels rejuvenated by his younger teammates. Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025 Bennett freely admits that Kratka was involved in the project. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for admit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admit
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
  • And in June, Rebirth stormed IGN Live with an exclusive clip that received 7.9 million views on TikTok.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • Some users received an email or postcard with a claim identification code and confirmation code that can be used to make the claim.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 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
  • At this point, the most scientists can hope for is that the US legal system ultimately acknowledges that the decision to cut their funding runs afoul of these congressional directives.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
  • After this article first published online, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged on the social media site X that the detainee had been sent to the hospital, but said he wasn’t admitted and was returned to the detention center in an hour and a half.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 9 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
  • The Hawks also agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with 3-point ace Luke Kennard, according to ESPN.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Admit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admit. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on admit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!