1
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly
he fessed up to breaking the antique vase only after his guilt was obvious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to confess
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid
at first he denied everything, but eventually he realized that he had no choice but to fess up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fess (up)
Verb
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Bill Cunningham of Chicago, the state senator leading stadium negotiations, late last week admitted Johnson’s recent involvement had stalled progress.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026 -
Even Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that the economy contracted early this year, while think tanks, bankers, and officials close to the Kremlin have been warning for months that a financial crisis is on the horizon.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Shortly after Lennon was shot, his killer, Mark David Chapman, confessed at the scene of the crime.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
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Gail and Joseph Bailey were found shot to death inside their Washington City, Utah, home in June 2024; their child, Mia Bailey, confessed to shooting and killing them.—
Kelsie Cairns,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Other players joined in acknowledging supporters but the decibels of their disdain grew stronger.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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The streamer acknowledged the backlash and said the old 2D logo will return to users’ phones next week as previously planned under the temporary icon switch-out.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Everyone in the Democrat Party in Illinois was conceding the race to Republican Attorney General Jack Ryan.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
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But the team still gives up too many goals, with nine goals conceded over the past three games.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
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