own

verb

Definition of ownnext
as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own we own a modest house and an equally modest car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb own contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of own are acknowledge, admit, avow, and confess. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.

must own I know little about computers

When can acknowledge be used instead of own?

Although the words acknowledge and own have much in common, 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 own?

While in some cases nearly identical to own, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

Where would avow be a reasonable alternative to own?

The synonyms avow and own are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 own?

In some situations, the words confess and own are roughly equivalent. However, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

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 own Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, which is also the parent company of Rolling Stone. —Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026 Fertitta also owns the Houston Rockets, and the WNBA, which is 42% owned by the NBA, established a pattern of preference toward NBA ownership groups in its expansion process. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2026 Both brands are owned by JAB Holding Company, which acquired Bruegger’s in 2017. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026 Her family owned grocery stores in Wisconsin. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
  1. have
  2. possess
  3. retain
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • Today’s draftniks have access to endless high-def broadcasts and custom compilations showing a prospect’s every snap.
    — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Cleveland had the advantage offensively against Detroit but won’t against New York, San Antonio or Oklahoma City.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • If bits are mere mortals, occupying space and time, qubits possess omnipresence and telepathy.
    — Aldo Svaldi, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
  • The findings reveal that bats possess the intelligence to actively manipulate the physical properties of their acoustic environment to enhance perception, rather than just forcing the brain to work harder.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
Definition of possess
Verb
  • Lio Rush to retain the Ring of Honor World TV Championship.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • The city even wants to use bricks instead of asphalt to retain the area's image.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Water aficionados will enjoy the chance to experience the ins and outs of the lake, thanks to five full-service marinas along the twisting shoreline, more than four times the length of Georgia’s Atlantic coast.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
  • On Saturday, May 16, International Pickle Day, Smoothie King customers can enjoy a free 4-ounce Pickle Smoothie in stores only while supplies last.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Definition of enjoy

Phrases Containing own

Browse Nearby Words

owing to
own
owned
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Cite this Entry

“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of own for Spanish Speakers

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