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 Its staff is tiny, and shares a floor with Softees, a toilet-paper brand—and a more lucrative enterprise—owned by the same parent company, Enervate. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025 Bazett said Naked Coffee co-owner Kirk Khasigian was no longer interested in owning the building. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Increasing wildfire risk, higher premiums and fewer policy options mean that owning a home in a wildfire-prone area is likely to keep getting more expensive. Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025 Yu owns Kawaii Sushi and Asian Cuisine in Peoria and Glendale. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
Verb
  • Even though Josh and Arteta have a good relationship, stemming back to when Arteta played for the club, Lewis is the conduit between the club and ownership.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Folklore portrays them as menacing figures lurking in the darkness who can possess those who wander too far from home.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Routh was convicted in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2002 for possessing an explosive device.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The product launches demonstrate how Europe’s legacy manufacturers are taking the fight to their Chinese rivals, in a bid to both retain market share in the European Union and offset declining sales in China, the world’s largest car market.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
  • While most wellness apps retain just 3–4% of users after a month (30% for human coaches), Wellness Coach keeps 87% engaged.
    Gil Press, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The coverage Jaden Hicks isn’t going to enjoy the film.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Maybe the decision to enjoy some down time Wednesday helped Alcaraz.
    Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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