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 However, the New Zealander has now admitted that Red Bull didn't allow him enough time to get comfortable with the RB21. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Notably, the partition of Southern California from the northern part of the state has been a topic of debate since even before California was admitted as a state in 1850. Robin Epley, Mercury News, 19 July 2025 Chesky admits that remaining composed while covering these tragedies has been a challenge for him, especially as the father of a 2-year-old daughter, Eleanor. Rachel McRady, People.com, 8 July 2025 That got worse through emergency room trips on May 18 and May 20, the latter leading to University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she was admitted. Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for admit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admit
Verb
  • Court documents state that Adams confessed to officers.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • CEOs are quietly confessing that AI is transforming how businesses operate.
    Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Homes are selling close to list price, with sellers receiving 98.6% on average.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • Greenfield police and fire departments responded to the store at 4225 S. 108th St. around 11 a.m. after receiving calls about a vehicle that had struck the front of the building.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Lana conceded Shasta’s behavioral issues, rooted in her trauma, were so severe that only a residential treatment program could save her.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • But for the purpose of examining this objection fairly, let it be conceded, that the principle, claimed for its support, is established.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Intelligence community experts acknowledge that Russian hacking targeting election infrastructure was likely limited and aimed at gathering intelligence.
    Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 21 July 2025
  • The Bureau of Reclamation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife acknowledged that the current fish ladders weren't built to accommodate large salmon and other migrating fish.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • On top of settling on a rate increase lower than originally planned, the MSD board agreed to postpone the original effective date of Aug. 1 by one month.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • The United States and the European Union agreed to a trade framework setting a 15% tariff on most goods yesterday, staving off — at least for now — far higher imports on both sides that might have sent shockwaves through economies around the globe.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Admit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admit. Accessed 2 Aug. 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!