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 At the same time, Musk owns the infrastructure of conservative discourse, via X. That puts both men in a sort of co-dependent situation – Musk owns the medium, while Trump’s ideas are the message. —Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Less than a day later, a crypto venture owned by the Trump family auctioned off a dinner with the President at one of his golf clubs. —Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 Companies like Zoox, owned by Amazon, and Nuro have all been running pilot programs in various cities around the country. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 26 May 2025 Low-income housing in Idaho can be exempt from taxation only if it’s owned and managed by a nonprofit. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for own
Recent Examples of Synonyms for own
  1. have
  2. possess
  3. retain
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the court claimed Hugh Lovell had no belongings available to confiscate.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2025
  • Currently, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of have
Verb
  • The countries each possess about 170 nuclear weapons, according to the think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
    — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • In addition to their easily identifiable personas, these faces must possess genuine leadership qualities and backgrounds to guide the movement in the right direction.
    — Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of possess
Verb
  • Humectants are substances that attract and retain water molecules, keeping things moist and hydrated by drawing moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin.
    — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
  • Shy Tuttle to retain his job this summer with so many talented players in front of him.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Disfrutar’s goal was first and foremost, to create a dining experience guests would enjoy, hence the name, which means to enjoy in Spanish.
    — Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Savickas, who was not a lawyer but enjoyed creating mischief, suggested, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, that legislators make laws and should be smart enough to use them professionally.
    — Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of own for Spanish Speakers

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