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 Cross-national data also reveals that more selective countries such as Canada are admitting more immigrants of all kinds. Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025 According to the citation, Langford admitted during a police interview to committing prior business robberies, but further details were not made available. Caroline Neal, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2025 Brent Nowicki, the executive director of World Aquatics, admitted during the championships that the governing body will have to review its guidelines in the future. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025 Brent Nowicki, the executive director of World Aquatics, admitted the governing body would need to have conversations about its age-limit rules. Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for admit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admit
Verb
  • Slepian had been conceived through a sperm donor, his father confessed over the phone.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • During a recent conversation with journalist Jake Hamilton on Jake's Takes, Washington confessed he's not pressed about receiving Academy Awards.
    Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year but has yet to receive a wide release.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • McCarthy will receive $18.3 million while Robbins will be given $18.6 million, both payouts that will come in addition to the execs’ 2025 salaries.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Jenkins conceded in the early morning hours after hosting several dozen people for a watch party at The Enclave, on Detroit's northwest side, according to an email from her campaign.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Dos Santos took back over for Pablo Sisniega, who conceded only three total goals in four MLS starts but allowed five in SDFC’s two previous Leagues Cup losses.
    Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Longtime computer scientist and Stanford University professor emeritus Yoav Shoham recently acknowledged the great promise of AI agents — and emphasized the need for caution.
    Forbes Research, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • On the episode, Simu Liu, who had previously led the daytime talk show for Clarkson in 2022, agreed to pivot from guest to host for the day.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Experts agreed that, in general, people without diabetes do not need to monitor their glucose levels.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Admit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admit. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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