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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Nevertheless, the McAlarneys admit that keeping their children away from smartphones and limiting technology is easier said than done, especially in today’s digital age.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026 -
While the footage has been admitted, jurors were instructed not to weigh it as evidence until deliberations.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pittman’s father contacted the FBI Saturday and told the agency his son had confessed to setting the building on fire, says the complaint.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
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In June 2001, Andrea drowned all five of the Yates children before calling 911 and later confessing.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In their budget proposal, the governor and his staff acknowledged both the risk to revenues and the structural deficit.—
Andrew Graham,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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In his first remarks as mayor, Calvo acknowledged frustration among residents who have felt disconnected from local government.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As the situation escalated, the other Black passenger conceded and moved, but Colvin remained steadfast.—
Essence,
Essence,
15 Jan. 2026
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The Comets’ defense aims to hold opponents under four goals per game, but has conceded five or more in each of the last four games.—
Nathan Dunn,
Kansas City Star,
13 Jan. 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 16 Jan. 2026.
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