own

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of own Both are owned by the photographer Eve Turek, whose work captures the natural beauty of the Outer Banks and its wildlife. Kate Lewis, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The Cessna was owned by David Shapiro, who was a licensed pilot and believed to be flying, although the NTSB report does not name the pilot. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025 At Winners Corner, which is owned by a courier company called Jackpocket, a table by the register was stacked with board games. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 19 June 2025 Aligned Investors Initially, the title was owned by regional publisher Archant, which ran into financial problems and was bought out by private equity. Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
Verb
  • With a sateen-weave finish, the sheets and pillowcases have a silky feel and a temperature-regulating design to help sleepers stay cool at night.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 June 2025
  • Paul Goldschmidt had one of just three Yankees hits in Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the A’s, but that didn’t stop him from sharing some self-depreciation after the game.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • How naive of me to expect that those in the public eye would at least pretend to possess tact, diplomacy, magnanimity and graciousness rather than bark and growl like an angry pit bull on a thick clanking chain.
    Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
  • James Gabbert/Getty Images The Context Texas law allows people with a license to conceal carry a gun and to possess that gun on college campuses.
    Sophie Clark Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Bezos retained 75% of the couple's Amazon stock, in addition to her voting control in the company, as previously reported by USA TODAY.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • LeBron James retains the distinction of being the youngest player in league history to be taken with the top overall pick.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • There was no seating plan or order of the day—guests were free to enjoy the event at their own pace.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Turks and Caicos is a trendy spot to enjoy gorgeous blue waters and incredible beaches.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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