acknowledge

verb

ik-ˈnä-lij How to pronounce acknowledge (audio)
Definition of acknowledgenext
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

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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

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 acknowledge Intersectionality acknowledges that there are multiple layers of oppression that need to be addressed to overcome these barriers. —Anou Khot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 And by acknowledging the form’s limitations, Dunthorne’s iteration rises to something genuinely, searingly meaningful. —Emma Brockes, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 Listen without judgment: Sometimes, just being there with a listening ear and acknowledging their struggles can mean a lot. —Robert Burakoff, Health, 4 Apr. 2025 They were formally notified of this violation and, in April 2022, signed a waiver acknowledging their breach and committing to refrain from any further use of Palace Elite branding or commentary about the company. —Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge
  1. admit
  2. confess
  3. concede
  4. agree
Verb
  • Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Rory McIlroy admitted in his post-final round interview with reporters that dropping to his knees after watching his playoff birdie putt sink to win the 89th Masters tournament was pure relief.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of admit
Verb
  • As the veteran investigator and his suspect began their drive, Jones confessed to Ford.
    — Lauren A. White, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The tattooed singer isn't the first celebrity to recently confess to having a bathroom emergency on stage.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of confess
Verb
  • While results at the time tasted similar to the real thing, its inventors conceded that the texture didn’t quite work.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Berlin has changed a lot since Soho House opened here, Bryan conceded, when asked how the organization keeps its cachet after all these years.
    — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of concede
Verb
  • Despite their differences, all agree on one thing: America's plummeting birthrate is a major problem, and, unless something changes, society may be doomed.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Stafford agreed to basically a one-year deal, but not before his representatives were given permission to seek a suitable partner in a trade.
    — Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of agree

Browse Nearby Words

acing (out)
acknowledge
acknowledged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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