own

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 An explosion at the Promontory, Utah facility owned by aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman was reported Wednesday, at 9:38 a.m. EDT (1338 GMT, 7:38 a.m., local time in Promontory). Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Fannie Mae initially filed a lawsuit against FTW Investments — owned by former Independence Towers owner Parker Webb — in January 2024, alleging that FTW had defaulted on its initial loan and that its subsidiary had failed to properly manage the building. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025 The utility had owned replacement generators since 1988 but had not installed them. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025 The couple, who have seven boys ranging in age from 6 years old to 27, also own a Victorian-style house on 5 acres in nearby Vineyard, east of Elk Grove. David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
Verb
  • Seven additional people involved in the collision had minor injuries.
    Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This at-bat had no significance on an eventual 7-2 Phillies win over the Miami Marlins.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Williams possesses huge arms (34 3/8 inches) and a giant wingspan (82 7/8 inches).
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, and any military escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Last week, the Trump administration demanded Harvard change multiple policies — including those regarding protesting and diversity, equity and inclusion programs — in order to retain its federal funding.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • During an interview earlier this week, Witkoff alluded to the idea that Iran would be able to retain uranium enriched to approximately 3.7% for the purposes of energy production.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Buckwheat Though technically a seed, buckwheat is enjoyed in the same way as whole grains.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The capital mainstay is home to a spacious dance floor — perfect for a hoedown or two — and a lush outdoor patio to enjoy a cool gin and tonic on the grass.
    Nico Lang, Them., 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on own

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!