Confess: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used when someone reveals a wrongdoing or secret, especially in a serious or formal setting, such as a courtroom or to someone they trust.

• She confessed to the crime in front of the judge
• He finally confessed his feelings to her

Often implies reluctantly agreeing to a fault or a mistake, and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• He admitted he was wrong about the plan
• She admitted that she forgot about the meeting

Used in situations where someone is recognizing a fact, situation, or someone's efforts, without necessarily implying guilt or wrongdoing.

• She acknowledged his help during the project
• He acknowledged the importance of the new policy

Informal language, used when someone takes responsibility for their actions or mistakes, usually in a personal or casual setting.

• He needs to own up to his mistakes
• She owned up to breaking the vase

Use in situations where one is revealing a secret or admitting to a wrongdoing, often something serious or private.

• She decided to confess to the crime after being questioned for hours
• He confessed his love for her in the letter

Used when accepting or agreeing to the truth of something, often after initially denying it or being reluctant to accept it.

• He finally admitted that he had been wrong
• She admitted to feeling nervous about the presentation

Suitable for recognizing the existence, truth, or fact of something, often in a formal or reluctant manner.

• The company had to acknowledge the mistake in the financial report
• She acknowledged his presence with a nod

Common in informal situations when one is taking responsibility for an action, often a mistake or something they regret.

• It was hard for him to own up to breaking the vase
• She owned up to her mistakes in the project

Used when admitting something shameful, sinful, or when admitting guilt or wrongdoing, often in a religious or legal context.

• He confessed to the crime in front of the judge.
• She finally confessed to lying about her grades.

Used when uncovering something that was hidden or not previously known, often carrying a sense of unveiling a secret or surprising information.

• The magician revealed the secret of his trick.
• She revealed the surprise party plans to her friend.

Commonly used in formal and professional settings when making information known to the public or to someone who has the right to know it.

• The company disclosed its financial statements to the shareholders.
• The doctor disclosed the patient's diagnosis to their family.

Typically used in informal contexts when talking about giving others access to information, feelings, experiences, or objects.

• He shared his lunch with a colleague.
• She shared her travel stories with her family.