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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DeSantis stopped shy of admitting during a press conference on Thursday that the site would be closed, only noting that both parties were discussing operations moving forward.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
9 May 2026 -
Continue reading … SCHOOL SHAKEUP — Smith College 'makes a mockery' of all-women status by admitting transgender students, education watchdog says.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
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In October 2014, TMZ obtained an audio recording of Collins allegedly confessing in a 2012 joint therapy session with then-wife Faye Grant to molesting underage girls.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
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Robinson left a handwritten note for his romantic partner confessing to the crime, and also confessed to friends on the chat room platform Discord, prosecutors said.—
Matthew Brown,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While acknowledging that antisemites may have good characteristics—a loving husband, a generous and conscientious citizen—Sartre claimed that their hatred ultimately defines them.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
8 May 2026
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The event created space for conversation about how advances in at‑home beauty devices are becoming part of evolving personal care routines, while acknowledging the experiences of people navigating hormonal conditions that can affect skin and hair growth.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
7 May 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 11 May. 2026.
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