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

Police said Sierra confessed to the killings during questioning.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
After Harrelson confessed his feelings to Louie, the two began dating and eventually welcomed three daughters.

— Emma Kershaw, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of confess

Verb

Saavedra, a former detective and federal task force officer, admitted in his plea agreement that his company began providing security to Iza around August 2021.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Washburn allegedly admitted seeing the fire and picking up the person who set the fire.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 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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Style

“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of own (up)

verb

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