own

verb

Definition of ownnext
as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own we own a modest house and an equally modest car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb own contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of own are acknowledge, admit, avow, and confess. While all these words mean "to disclose against one's will or inclination," own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.

must own I know little about computers

When can acknowledge be used instead of own?

Although the words acknowledge and own have much in common, 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 own?

While in some cases nearly identical to own, admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.

admitted the project was over budget

Where would avow be a reasonable alternative to own?

The synonyms avow and own are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 own?

In some situations, the words confess and own are roughly equivalent. However, confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.

confessed a weakness for sweets

Example 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 own Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, 33, was charged with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operated by another person. — Kelly O'Donnell, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Marco Pacheco, whose family owns the flagship Sip 'n Dip Donuts store on the Bristol parade route, said the 250th anniversary brought more floats than in previous parades. — Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026 Ultra is owned by private equity firm Advent International, and specializes in anti-submarine technology. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026 The Illinois International Port District, the municipal corporation that owns the port, appears to be trying to stay out of it all, though Local 150 has pushed for the termination of QSL’s lease at the port. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
  1. have
  2. possess
  3. retain
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • The landmark property celebrates the style of the sixties, when air travel still had a spark of glamor.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The Chiefs have a world championship banner hanging atop the press box.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Congress codified the ban into law in 2020, and said the F-35s could be transferred if Turkey no longer possessed the S-400s.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The couple appeared in federal court on Monday, July 6, on charges of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of possess
Verb
  • The Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Buildings with no air conditioning will heat up and retain the heat.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • With estimated sales totaling €32 billion and a growth rate between 4-6% for 2025, jewelry seems to be enjoying its brightest summer yet.
    — Milena Martins-Alexandre, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of enjoy

Phrases Containing own

Browse Nearby Words

owing to
own
owned
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Cite this Entry

“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on own

Nglish: Translation of own for Spanish Speakers

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