Find Synonyms

confess Synonyms

Another word for confess

Choosing another word for confess depends on context, so the 13 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To admit or acknowledge that one has committed a crime, fault, or wrongdoing.

Usage Example

"After hours of questioning, the suspect finally decided to admit to the burglary."

Strongest
admit
acknowledge
own up
Strong
come clean
divulge
disclose
reveal

• verb (Context 2)

To state or admit something reluctantly, typically a personal weakness, feeling, or opinion.

Usage Example

"I must admit that I have never actually read the classic novel from start to finish."

Strongest
admit
concede
Strong
grant
allow
avow

• verb (Context 3)

To declare one's sins formally to a priest or to God in order to receive absolution, or (of a priest) to hear the confession of a penitent.

Usage Example

"The penitent knelt in the quiet chapel to repent his sins before the holiday."

Strong
repent
Weak
shrive

Opposites of confess

The opposite of confess shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

deny
conceal
hide
retract
suppress
withhold
disavow
repudiate
See all opposites of confess

• Nearby Words

conferment
conferral
conferrer
confess
confessedly
confession
confessional

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Confess. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/confess
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