ADMIT Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

admit

verb

əd-ˈmit

Definition of admit next

as in to confess

to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly the host of the talk show eventually admitted that she hadn't actually read the book you can't bring yourself to admit your mistakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to receive

to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to she was admitted to Harvard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to own (up)

to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid I admit to some suspicions about the new neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 admit This morning in a press conference, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley admitted that this many fires simultaneously is more than authorities anticipated with the powerful Santa Ana winds this week and has overwhelmed first responders. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025 Yoshimura admitted turning to alcohol and drugs to cope with the strain. —

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 The Escobar connection, Palmer admits, could be a bit of an urban legend. —

Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 8 Jan. 2025 Depa pleaded no contest — neither admitting guilt nor disputing the charge — on Oct. 30, 2023. —

Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for admit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admit

Verb

While general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel each confessed his sins of the season to the media last week, an even bigger sales job is needed in a couple of weeks.

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
Kitty got so close to confessing her feelings for Yuri, but Julianna’s arrival interrupted that.

Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025