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confess

con·fess

confess

 
 
pronunciation:
kn fes
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: confesses, confessing, confessed
definition 1: to reveal, admit, or concede as true, esp. something self-incriminating.
The defendant eventually confessed his guilt.The professor confessed his ignorance of other fields of study.She finally confessed to the teacher that she hadn't done any of the assigned reading.
synonyms:
admit, concede, own up to
antonyms:
conceal, deny
similar words:
acknowledge, avouch, avow, declare, disclose, reveal, unbosom
definition 2: to admit or declare (one's sins) before a priest.
She felt relief after confessing her sins.
similar words:
admit, declare, profess, reveal
definition 3: of a priest, to listen to (a penitent's confession).
After the priest had confessed the boy, he felt sad for the child's troubles.
synonyms:
shrive
definition 4: to declare or acknowledge belief in (a creed, set of religious principles, or the like).
At the end of the church service, the congregation confesses its faith.
synonyms:
profess
similar words:
asseverate, declare
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to make a confession; admit guilt.
He confessed to murdering all three victims.She confessed to the crime after the police found additional evidence.He confessed to being jealous of his older brother when he was growing up.
synonyms:
own up
similar words:
admit, come clean, sing, unbosom
definition 2: to admit one's sins before a priest.
She went to church to confess this morning.
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