confess

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confess contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confess are acknowledge, admit, avow, and own. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

When could acknowledge be used to replace confess?

In some situations, the words acknowledge and confess are roughly equivalent. However, acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.

acknowledged an earlier peccadillo

Where would admit be a reasonable alternative to confess?

Although the words admit and confess have much in common, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

When can avow be used instead of confess?

While the synonyms avow and confess are close in meaning, 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 own take the place of confess?

While in some cases nearly identical to confess, 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 confess While Adarabioyo has been deeply involved in the hobby for years now, Solanke confessed to recently being sucked into it. Andrew MacKie, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Samuel and Romy will each get stalker-y; his girlfriend, who happens to be Romy’s assistant, will blackmail her; Romy will confess a heavily edited version of the affair to her husband Jacob. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 For context, in 2017 Kirk confessed to stepping out on Rashida with a stripper named Jasmine Washington and impregnating her during season 6 of LAHH ATL. Essence, 24 Apr. 2025 The tattooed singer isn't the first celebrity to recently confess to having a bathroom emergency on stage. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confess
Verb
  • Davidson openly admits his adoration for Axe, leaning into these more sophisticated scents for everyday use, and soliciting advice to the next generation on how to build confidence while upgrading any younger guy's aesthetic.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The government admitted its mistake but has proven unwilling or unable to correct its error and effect Garcia’s return.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confess. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on confess

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