Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admit are acknowledge, avow, confess, and own. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

When would acknowledge be a good substitute for admit?

The words acknowledge and admit can be used in similar contexts, but acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.

acknowledged an earlier peccadillo

When can avow be used instead of admit?

The words avow and admit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would confess be a reasonable alternative to admit?

While the synonyms confess and admit are close in meaning, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

When is it sensible to use own instead of admit?

In some situations, the words own and admit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 admit According to a news release, 15 of the 27 Damian Lillard Scholar-eligible students who applied to Portland State have been admitted. Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 In a separate interview with People, Hilaria Baldwin admitted their decision to do the reality show came at an important time. Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 Graf readily admits that Agassi, who has played in all three of the pickleball slams, is the better player between the two of them. George Ramsay, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025 Despite his extensive experience with trades, Kidd admitted that the Doncic deal was on another level in terms of shock value. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for admit 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admit
Verb
  • Fadden, however, was apprehended and brought to Hutchinson where he was interrogated and confessed.
    Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • So now is the time to confess another of my body’s deficiencies: One of my legs happens to be longer than the other.
    Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Transgender troops who had begun receiving treatment under the Obama-era policy were grandfathered in.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • In that window a week prior, Not Like Us won the Grammy for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year, with Lamar receiving the latter honor around 11:30 p.m. ET.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Powell conceded the action has left a gap in regulation.
    Courtenay Brown, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Kansas City scored seven goals in the second half against a staunch San Diego defense that previously led the league with 4.2 goals conceded per game.
    Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, Musk acknowledged in the press conference that some of his claims—$50 million for condoms sent to Hamas?
    Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Edison has acknowledged that its equipment may have played a role in starting the Eaton fire, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
    Martina Ibáñez-Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The three men appeared in worse condition than the 18 other hostages previously freed under the truce, which was agreed to in January, 15 months into the war.
    Joey Roulette, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • In November of that year, Towne Realty agreed to an interest-free loan to pay for new downtown Christmas decorations, including 7,000 large colored lights to be hung at 15 intersections along Wisconsin Avenue.
    Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near admit

Cite this Entry

“Admit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admit. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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