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 Nearly 40% of California businesses are already women-owned, generating roughly $580 billion in revenue between 2019 and 2023, according to the California Chamber of Commerce, and yet women still receive a fraction of venture funding. — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 That means the Bombers own a three-game lead over Boston for the American League’s top Wild Card spot with the arch rivals set to play three more games this weekend. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026 Dolly Parton lived in and owned several homes between Tennessee and California. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 Currently, the family owns and operates six restaurants and cafes and plans to open two more next year. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
  1. have
  2. possess
  3. retain
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • The confusion could muddy the narrative of having the best models in the market that OpenAI would no doubt like to present ahead of a possible 2027 IPO.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Its rich, satisfying lather has a light citrus scent to make wash days feel just a little more elevated.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Eisenhower possessed iron discipline, sunny self-confidence and a mind that loved organizational challenges.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Ticket sales Assembly Bill 1349 would prohibit sellers from offering or marketing tickets to concerts and sporting events by a person that doesn’t actually possess the ticket.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of possess
Verb
  • The Village Board voted to limit information collected from the cameras to be shared within Illinois only and retain data for only seven days, according to its agreement with the sheriff’s office.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • And despite England reverting to the 11pm cut-off, clubs in Germany, France and Italy have all retained the earlier time of 8pm (local time, 7pm BST).
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Her teachers enjoyed her drawings and left her alone to make them.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the collaboration enjoys enormous gains on two other lists.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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