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
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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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Some players tacitly admitted their dislike for playing in a minor league stadium.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025 -
Shaun admitted the world saw a picture-perfect Hollywood couple, but the reality at home was drastically different.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the documentary, Noguera says Naso confessed to killing 26 people.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Maurice, Robert and Michael all confessed to the crime at different times over the next eight years.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While acknowledging that Priscilla Queen of the Desert 2 will travel further afield than Australia and venture overseas, Elliott refuses to reveal more.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Donald acknowledged the challenge, but remained composed.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Yet the Republican conceded that DOGE’s work has not been as easily accomplished as Musk once hoped.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
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Dickerson, who had a big lead in unofficial results, declared victory on Tuesday night, and Shigley conceded.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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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 29 Sep. 2025.
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