own up

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of OWN

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 admit, cop (to) [slang], fess (up), own (up)

Related Words blab, talk, tattle; babble, spill

Near Antonyms clam up, hush, quiet (down), shut up

Learn More About

Dictionary: Definition of "own"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "own"

Nglish: Translation of "own" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "own" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up own[-2,verb]? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More