own (up)

Definition of own (up)next
as in to confess
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid had a strong suspicion about which coworker stole her food from the office fridge, but the likely culprit refused to own up

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for own (up)
Verb
  • 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
  • Mashburn-Smith confessed to the crimes and was charged with Unlawful Activity with Certain Minors, the sheriff's office said.
    Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • By its final years, the hall mostly hosted dancing, admitting men for 50 cents and women free of charge.
    Graham Womack May 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
  • The Vikings won’t admit it, but this sure looks like a rebuilding year.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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