confess

verb

kən-ˈfes How to pronounce confess (audio)
Definition of confessnext
1
as in to admit
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid the thief confessed to dozens of robberies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to concede
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly political prisoners, under threat of torture, forced to confess their guilt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb confess contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confess are acknowledge, admit, avow, and own. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

When could acknowledge be used to replace confess?

In some situations, the words acknowledge and confess are roughly equivalent. However, acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.

acknowledged an earlier peccadillo

Where would admit be a reasonable alternative to confess?

Although the words admit and confess have much in common, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

When can avow be used instead of confess?

While the synonyms avow and confess are close in meaning, 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 own take the place of confess?

While in some cases nearly identical to confess, 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 confess Tyler Wilkins, 23, confessed this year to killing Jorden Nebling, who was reported missing in October 2020, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office announced on April 15. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 Erik, then 18, confessed to the killings in a conversation with his therapist. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Lanie confessed her fears about rent and not wanting to burden her family. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Brian Tyree Henry confessed to breaking his own cardinal rule of not returning to television in order to star in Apple TV+’s crime drama Dope Thief. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confess

Browse Nearby Words

confers (on)
confess
confessed
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Cite this Entry

“Confess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confess. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of confess for Spanish Speakers

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