1
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly
he fessed up to breaking the antique vase only after his guilt was obvious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to confess
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid
at first he denied everything, but eventually he realized that he had no choice but to fess up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fess (up)
Verb
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Although Francis released an audio message on March 6 and the Vatican distributed a photo of him March 16, Sunday’s blessing will be the first live appearance since Francis was admitted Feb. 14 for what has become the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Mar. 2025 -
In comparison, the transfer admit rate of about 40% does not distinguish between in-state and out-of-state candidates.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Xavier Davis, 32, confessed to killing Gregory Carhee, 35, Donyavia Lagway, 29, and the couple's 6-year-old daughter Harmony Carhee on June 30, 2021.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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The music icon confessed to getting weepy about aging during a bonus episode of the podcast Smartless, which was released to subscribers on Tuesday, March 25 — John's 78th birthday.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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During her testimony in 2019, Wendi acknowledged that Charlie gifted her a television and joked that buying a TV was cheaper than hiring a hitman, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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This shift demands continuous awareness, proactive action, and the humility to acknowledge that none of us can navigate the challenges of aging alone, regardless of our financial resources.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In November, Zelenskyy conceded not all territory could be won back by force and may have to remain under de facto Russian control after a settlement.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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Afterwards, Farke conceded he had been tempted to start Gnonto in Aaronson’s place.—
Beren Cross,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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