acknowledge

verb

ik-ˈnä-lij How to pronounce acknowledge (audio)
Definition of acknowledgenext
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly finally had to acknowledge that she'd outgrown her favorite jacket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb acknowledge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of acknowledge are admit, avow, confess, and own. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," 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 acknowledge?

While in some cases nearly identical to acknowledge, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

When could avow be used to replace acknowledge?

Although the words avow and acknowledge have much in common, 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 acknowledge?

The words confess and acknowledge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

When is own a more appropriate choice than acknowledge?

The words own and acknowledge can be used in similar contexts, but own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.

must own I know little about computers

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 acknowledge Trump administration to acknowledge only a person’s gender assigned at birth, officials say Human biology is complex, and not all individuals fit neatly into binary categories, Evans told ABC News. —Dr. Allia Vaez, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2025 Schiffer concluded Wednesday’s hearing by acknowledging that Syed was given a second chance and has shown progress. —Chloe Atkins, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025 Her approach starts with acknowledging historical medical mistrust while educating the community about how the process has changed. —Oumou Fofana, Essence, 27 Feb. 2025 In the statement, the family acknowledged Brian’s responsibility for Gabby’s death. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
  1. admit
  2. confess
  3. concede
  4. agree
Verb
  • The Trump administration admitted that lowering the cost of everyday goods would take longer than initially promised, but the president blamed Biden's policies' lingering impact.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Holloway also admitted to making and distributing indecent images of children, while Wilson also admitted rape, assault by penetration and making indecent photographs of children.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of admit
Verb
  • The suspect, Fahad Noori, who is originally from Afghanistan, purportedly confessed to investigators that the act was deliberate.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Ashraf Tawfik, 60, showed up at headquarters at 12:14 p.m. Friday and confessed, East Brunswick police said in a statement.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of confess
Verb
  • The move inevitably would be divisive, as Shapiro conceded, and would likely be cast as political.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In four of the five matches the team has played this season, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hasn’t conceded a goal.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of concede
Verb
  • And the parties hoping to form Germany’s next government agreed to overhaul borrowing rules to inject more money into the military, although this must still be approved by parliament.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Unique then agrees, only if Early does some reconnaissance for him.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of agree

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Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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