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
  • Theah Loudemia Russell, 19, confessed to suffocating Harvey and attempting to suffocate another child, according to murder and assault charges.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026
  • So did confessing to a crime, oddly.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Trump officials have rebuked the Biden administration for allowing millions of asylum seekers into the country through the southern border, arguing that doing so has endangered public safety by admitting potential criminals.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Even prosecutor Laurie Baio admitted that, despite Kassotis' inconsistencies, jurors might have doubts about his guilt.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 8 Mar. 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 11 Mar. 2026.

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