OWN UP Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

own (up)

verb

Definition of own (up)

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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for own (up)

Verb

Skalnik would then tell investigators that this person had confessed their crime to him.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Heinrich confessed to abducting, assaulting and killing Jacob.

— Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of confess

Verb

When in May the government admitted that the exam papers for medical and dental courses had been leaked and that millions would have to re-sit nationwide, long held discontent exploded into widespread anger.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
While speaking to Access Hollywood in July 2019, the Hobbs & Shaw actor admitted that his then-2-year-old son was able to get away with more with him rather than his mom.

— Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of admit

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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“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of own (up)

verb

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