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

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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 Storm acknowledges that all families have their issues but, in the end, the Schaefer family seems to have kept everyone basically rowing in the same direction throughout its 10 decades in business. —

David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff and one of the most influential figures inside Downing Street, stepped down on Sunday after acknowledging his role in recommending Mandelson for the diplomatic post. —

Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026 The band also acknowledged that their departure from the lineup might spark some strong reactions. —

Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026 Bush acknowledged the Clippers’ role in planning everything the NBA is doing next weekend and praised the franchise for its community outreach. —

Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acknowledge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge

Verb

Be careful of admitting that to a coworker as Venus and Uranus clash.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
The border was a mess, that everybody admits.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of admit

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acing (out)

acknowledge

acknowledged

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“Acknowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acknowledge. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of acknowledge

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