1
as in admitting
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 confessing
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 fessing (up)
Verb
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In 2018, Woodrow and Worldview walked away from litigation with neither party admitting liability.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
20 Mar. 2026 -
Always remember, what leaders also avoid admitting is that reputation is a byproduct of behavior, not a marketing exercise.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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California metal vets Neurosis have surprised-released An Undying Love for a Burning World, their first album in a decade, and first since co-founder Scott Kelly left the band after confessing to domestic abuse.—
Alex Suskind,
Pitchfork,
20 Mar. 2026
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The emergence of the mysterious key in Homer and Plumb’s possession has spooked him off from confessing any further.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The deal involved more than 100 nondisclosure agreements, allowed 10 residents to buy homes in the megasite zone without acknowledging the houses were targeted for demolition and offered up to $27 billion in incentives to a semiconductor manufacturer that ultimately walked away.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Iannarelli suggested techniques such as listening actively, acknowledging frustration without agreeing, offering personal space, and adjusting the environment by inviting someone to sit down or step aside for a private discussion.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fessing (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fessing%20%28up%29. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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