FESS UP Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

fess (up)

verb

ˈfes

Definition of fess (up)

as in to admit

to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly he fessed up to breaking the antique vase only after his guilt was obvious

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to confess

to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid at first he denied everything, but eventually he realized that he had no choice but to fess up

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fess (up)

Verb

Leaders also expect to sign an agreement admitting French Guiana before the conference concludes on Wednesday.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
In February 2025, Musk admitted DOGE accidentally ended—and then quickly restored—funding for Ebola prevention, saying there was no interruption to programming.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026

Definition of admit

Verb

At the time, the movie superstar confessed to nervously practicing the song alone in his pickup truck, in his garage, to get the complicated rap right.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Emerald Isle, North Carolina, confesses its obvious charms—brilliant blue-green waters, a verdant maritime forest, and lush marshes—in its name.

— Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 7 July 2026

Definition of confess

Verb

This is where Ream acknowledged just how unique this journey had been – to represent a home World Cup at a time when the county was celebrating July 4 and its 250th anniversary.

— David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
The episode ends with a heated exchange where Corlys confronts Rhaenyra for publicly styling his son as Addam of Hull, declining his request for his son to be acknowledged as a Velaryon by the crown.

— Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of acknowledge

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.

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fessing (up)

fess (up)

fest

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“Fess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fess%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fess (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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