Synonyms of own

own

verb

as in to have

to keep, control, or experience as one's own

we own a modest house and an equally modest car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• have
• possess
• retain
• enjoy
• hold
• command
• keep
• carry
• reserve
• withhold
• rejoice in
• sport
• bear
• boast
• show off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• want
• lack
• abandon
• relinquish
• renounce
• surrender
• yield
• need
• discard
• dump
• require
• reject
• disown
• hand over
• disclaim
• decline
• cede
• repudiate
• spurn

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb own contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of own are acknowledge, admit, avow, and confess. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.

must own I know little about computers

When can acknowledge be used instead of own?

Although the words acknowledge and own have much in common, acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.

acknowledged an earlier peccadillo

When is it sensible to use admit instead of own?

While in some cases nearly identical to own, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

Where would avow be a reasonable alternative to own?

The synonyms avow and own are sometimes interchangeable, but avow implies boldly declaring, often in the face of hostility, what one might be expected to be silent about.

avowed that he was a revolutionary

In what contexts can confess take the place of own?

In some situations, the words confess and own are roughly equivalent. However, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of own

Sakura Market is owned by Osaka Marketplace and functions as a small-format version of the larger store. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Meanwhile, Charlotte looked like her mom’s mini-me, showing off the pair’s close relationship with a three-strand pearl bracelet that looked similar to the one worn by Kate—a legendary piece previously owned by Princess Diana. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 June 2026

Charlotte Hays Murray, who owns the Charlotte Elliott and the Bookstore Next Door in the Hampden neighborhood, said people walked in the front door of the business and pulled down its front display, which is decorated for Pride month. —Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 17 June 2026

The second is brand building, owning the assets that appear when someone searches a name or company. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Phrases Containing own

• by one's own bootstraps
• come into one's own
• of one's own accord
• on one's own
• on one's own hook
• on one's own initiative
• own (up to)
• own (up)