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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Speaking afterwards, the 28-year-old did not disclose his injury, but admitted the Patriots have been slow-playing his recovery.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025 -
Leaders who admit errors with humor demonstrate resilience.—
Paul Boross MBE,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Slepian had been conceived through a sperm donor, his father confessed over the phone.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
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During a recent conversation with journalist Jake Hamilton on Jake's Takes, Washington confessed he's not pressed about receiving Academy Awards.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Wasserman previously acknowledged his sales team faced challenges during the 11-year lead time between Los Angeles securing the Olympics and the actual event.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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And, fortunately, Waukesha Water Utility officials haven't had to field any calls from residents concerned about the lake water supply, though Zylstra acknowledged rumors sometimes spread faster than the city can address them.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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They were unbeaten in 23 Championship games last season at Turf Moor, with only eight goals conceded.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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So the war is likely to go on until Ukraine agrees to concede territory in exchange for security guarantees.—
Andy Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2025.
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