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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Since the 2024 election, Klobuchar admitted that the party would have benefited from an open primary last summer, as well.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
20 July 2025 -
Armstrong now admits that she wasn't prepared for such a strong reaction.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
Court documents state that Adams confessed to officers.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 July 2025
-
CEOs are quietly confessing that AI is transforming how businesses operate.—
Brian Solis,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Intelligence community experts acknowledge that Russian hacking targeting election infrastructure was likely limited and aimed at gathering intelligence.—
Jenna McLaughlin,
NPR,
21 July 2025
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The Bureau of Reclamation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife acknowledged that the current fish ladders weren't built to accommodate large salmon and other migrating fish.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Lana conceded Shasta’s behavioral issues, rooted in her trauma, were so severe that only a residential treatment program could save her.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
29 July 2025
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But for the purpose of examining this objection fairly, let it be conceded, that the principle, claimed for its support, is established.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
29 July 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 3 Aug. 2025.
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