as in to confess
to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid
had a strong suspicion about which coworker stole her food from the office fridge, but the likely culprit refused to own up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own (up)
Verb
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However, Bryant’s uncle, Raymond Bryant, testified during the other men’s criminal trial that his nephew had confessed to the shooting.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2026 -
The prints matched another man who had confessed to his ex-girlfriend, and Monson was released.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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By its final years, the hall mostly hosted dancing, admitting men for 50 cents and women free of charge.—
Graham Womack
May 2,
Sacbee.com,
2 May 2026
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The Vikings won’t admit it, but this sure looks like a rebuilding year.—
Charley Walters,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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