acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed.
acknowledged an earlier peccadillo
admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications.
admitted the project was over budget
own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself.
must own I know little about computers
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
confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt.
confessed a weakness for sweets
Example Sentences
They acknowledged that the decision was a mistake. Do you acknowledge that you caused this mess? They readily acknowledged their mistake. She won't acknowledge responsibility for her actions. He quickly acknowledges all of my e-mails when he receives them. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter. She acknowledged the gift with a card. She acknowledged his greeting with a smile. See More
Recent Examples on the WebRussian President Vladimir Putin, who met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday for the first time since the invasion began on Feb. 24, appeared to acknowledge the gap. Yaroslav Trofimov, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022 Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said the state is sending migrants to Martha's Vineyard to force Democratic leaders to acknowledge the harm caused by the crisis at the southern border. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 16 Sep. 2022 Signage near the entrance invites visitors to acknowledge their feelings, take breaks if needed, and be prepared for a sound and light show that includes the sounds of gunshots and loud noises. Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Sep. 2022 And if Microsoft wants to pretend this couch co-op cancellation isn't a big deal, dodge all interview requests on the topic, and eventually decide that Xbox CEO Phil Spencer doesn't need to acknowledge the issue, that's its business prerogative. Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2022 The incident drew scrutiny after officials in Inglewood failed to acknowledge it for three days. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 The delay in Biden’s decision has only heightened the anticipation for what his own aides acknowledge represents a political no-win situation. Seung Min Kim, Michael Balsamo, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2022 The delay in Biden’s decision has only heightened the anticipation for what his own aides acknowledge represents a political no-win situation. Seung Min Kim, Chris Megerian, Chron, 24 Aug. 2022 Perhaps there is some justification for this, but this would require clear language on the part of the firm selling the fund to acknowledge it and explain why. Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
ac- (in acknow "to confess knowledge of," going back to Middle English aknowen, going back to Old English oncnāwan, acnāwan "to know, recognize, admit, confess," from a-, on-, prefixal use of onon entry 1 + cnāwan "to know entry 1") + knowledge