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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But at the following council meeting on July 15, the mayor took back his words and admitted his assumption that HealthNet Gaston was supposed to be in charge of organizing the cooling station was ill informed.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Aug. 2025 -
Colleges want to admit students who are almost certain to say yes.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Court documents state that Adams confessed to officers.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 July 2025
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CEOs are quietly confessing that AI is transforming how businesses operate.—
Brian Solis,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Be transparent about the mistake, acknowledge your role, and offer support to help the team recover.—
Julia Sullivan,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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Intelligence community experts acknowledge that Russian hacking targeting election infrastructure was likely limited and aimed at gathering intelligence.—
Jenna McLaughlin,
NPR,
21 July 2025
Verb
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But for the purpose of examining this objection fairly, let it be conceded, that the principle, claimed for its support, is established.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
29 July 2025
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Lana conceded Shasta’s behavioral issues, rooted in her trauma, were so severe that only a residential treatment program could save her.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
29 July 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 4 Aug. 2025.
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