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 In Los Angeles, the Chetrit Organization also owns the long-idle Trinity Auditorium, also known as the Embassy Auditorium and Embassy Hotel. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Jim Cramer's Charitable will no longer own a position in AVGO. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Video evidence and vehicle registration records confirmed the SUV driven by Romero was owned by his employer and assigned directly to him. — Kelsie Cairns , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Lazo owned the home, according to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
  1. have
  2. possess
  3. retain
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Fellow guard Nick Dorn (Indiana) had 8 points and six rebounds.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The person in charge did not possess a valid Food Protection Manager Certificate.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of possess
Verb
  • Despite the protests, Vucic retained considerable support among many of Serbia's voters.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Trump revived his promise of $5,000 payments if Republicans retain control of Congress.
    — Joe Kovac, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Just a day earlier, he’d been spotted enjoying a pre-birthday dinner at Mamo in Manhattan, wrapped in a chestnut-brown fringed shawl that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Sienna Miller’s fall wardrobe.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Dolphins had run 293 offensive snaps and not enjoyed an advantage at any point in any of them.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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