Synonyms of admit

admit

verb

əd-ˈmit 

1

as in to confess

to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly

the host of the talk show eventually admitted that she hadn't actually read the book

you can't bring yourself to admit your mistakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confess
• concede
• acknowledge
• agree
• recognize
• reveal
• disclose
• announce
• tell
• say
• accept
• confirm
• grant
• allow
• own (up to)
• declare
• fess (up)
• come clean (about)
• affirm
• proclaim
• publish
• profess
• inform
• expose
• unload
• divulge
• warn
• talk
• avow
• yield
• betray
• communicate
• spill
• impart
• whisper
• broadcast
• unburden
• breathe
• tip (off)
• give away
• unveil
• leak
• disburden
• wise (up)
• break
• blab
• squeal
• tattle
• rat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• disclaim
• contradict
• reject
• negative
• disallow
• dispute
• refute
• hide
• rebut
• negate
• disavow
• conceal
• repudiate
• cover (up)
• disown
• veil
• gainsay
• obscure
• kid (oneself)

2

as in to receive

to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to

she was admitted to Harvard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• receive
• enter
• take
• welcome
• entertain
• confirm
• ratify
• fellowship

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• dismiss
• reject
• bar
• ban
• disapprove
• decline
• disallow
• exile
• expel
• banish
• throw out
• ostracize
• deport
• oust
• blackball
• blacklist

3

as in to own (up)

to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid

I admit to some suspicions about the new neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confess
• own (up)
• cop (to)
• fess (up)
• talk
• spill
• tattle
• blab
• babble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shut up
• quiet (down)
• hush
• clam up

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

Recent Examples of admit

Some investors sell strong positions after a few weeks of weakness, while others hold failing businesses for years because selling would require admitting they were mistaken. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

And after his initial feel-good story of being drafted by the Lightning and meeting his idol Nikita Kucherov, Kulebiakin admitted his first two days at camp were a challenge physically. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

The Napa County Sheriff’s Office said Paul Pelosi, 86, drove away after the crash Friday and admitted hitting something, The Sacramento Bee said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026

Elsewhere, Burke admitted that the criticism does affect her from time to time. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Phrases Containing admit

• admit (of)