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 Four are owned by Lumen Technologies; 35 by other companies. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025 Also, more people at all income levels own stocks through 401(k) plans, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist of CFRA. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 Like Jellyrolls, the restaurant was not owned by Disney and had rented its space for nearly 30 years. —Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025 Rebuilding starts with owning the mistake—acknowledge the disconnect, show genuine intent to change, and take real action. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
  1. have
  2. possess
  3. retain
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • Nick Jonas had someone special by his side at the Broadway opening of The Last Five Years on Sunday, April 6, 2025 in New York City.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Downsides While apple cider vinegar has potential benefits, taking it before bed can have some downsides.
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of have
Verb
  • Geological and mineralogical evidence shows that Mars once possessed a thicker atmosphere than the planet has today.
    — Jonathan O’Callaghan, JSTOR Daily, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Experts debated the connection, but by 2001 paleontologists uncovered early whale ankle bones that possessed traits only seen among artiodactyls.
    — Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of possess
Verb
  • In the aftermath, the motion states, Doe retained legal counsel and, following months of negotiations, was able to reach a settlement with Schrader’s lawyers in February of this year.
    — Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Status quo supporters claim voters still choose because the appointee must run for election to retain the seat.
    — Bob Marshall, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Visa Infinite cardholders in Singapore enjoy golf discounts at Sentosa Golf Club and Tanah Merah Country Club on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025
  • On the night before Opening Day, little Marcia Wacha, daughter of pitcher Michael Wacha and his wife, Sarah, enjoyed a special book.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
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 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of own for Spanish Speakers

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