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

Examples 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 The governors acknowledged the importance of robust state-federal partnerships, with a goal of ensuring that all levels of government are collaborating on these issues. — Updated at 3:35 p.m. —

Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 Personalized thank-you notes, social media shoutouts or even gifts are great ways to acknowledge and celebrate donors. —

Raviraj Hegde, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Hassabis acknowledges that bringing AI into the physical world could result in unexpected behaviors. —

Will Knight, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024 Complementary and Alternative Medicine The American Heart Association does not endorse any particular complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) for CHF but acknowledges that some people may try these remedies. —

Alexandria Nyembwe, Phd, Rn, Health, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acknowledge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acknowledge

Verb

Reinbold admits that limited finances have previously restricted their participation.

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Three years in, each has become dependent on the other, though both are loath to admit it.

Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2024