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
-
Leaders who admit errors with humor demonstrate resilience.—
Paul Boross MBE,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025 -
Even some of Trump’s toughest former advisers admit it — a solo U.S. invasion or drone attack without Mexico’s green light would be a dumb idea.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In 1957, Gein confessed in the Wisconsin community of Plainfield to killing two local women, digging up bodies from graveyards, and using body parts and skin to make everything from trophies to lampshades.—
Chris Foran,
jsonline.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Eric Stonestreet, known for his role on the show as Cameron Tucker, confessed last year that Hollywood life isn’t all it’s cut out to be.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
3 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
-
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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share