ACKNOWLEDGE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

acknowledge

verb

ik-ˈnä-lij

Definition of acknowledge next

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

Relevance

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

Examples 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 Forgotten Histories In only its second-ever Art Month, Bermuda is making great strides in acknowledging a path forward creatively. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Oct. 2024 McQueen asks, still gripped by the power of the stark photograph, acknowledging that Black children have rarely been part of the war narrative in England. —

Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 By acknowledging and proactively addressing these potential drawbacks, companies can position themselves to harness the benefits of a flat organizational structure while paving the way for sustainable, long-term growth. —

Stoyan Mitov, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Changing the narrative of a 'gay plague' The early years were shrouded in secrecy, stigma and denial, with AIDS largely ignored by the White House until then-President Ronald Reagan finally acknowledged it in 1985, four years after it had been recognized by the medical community. —

Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acknowledge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge

Verb

According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin, the couple were interviewed in Chicago and admitted dumping their adoptive son's body in a ditch in Mequon.

Doha Madani, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Kline admitted in it to having previously interacted with Libby German.

Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024