Acknowledge — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ik-ˈnä-lij/ ac·knowl·edge

Meaning & Definition of Acknowledge

Acknowledge (verb)

  1. to recognize the rights, authority, or status of
  2. to disclose knowledge of or agreement with
  3. to express gratitude or obligation for

Acknowledge (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly

    "finally had to acknowledge that she'd outgrown her favorite jacket"

    similar: admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, fess (up), grant, own (up to), come clean (about)
    related: disburden, unburden, unload, affirm, avow, confirm, profess, accept, recognize, yield, announce, break, broadcast, communicate, declare, disclose, divulge, impart, proclaim, publish, reveal, spill, tell, unveil, betray, blab, expose, give away, inform, leak, rat, squeal, talk, tattle, tip (off), warn, wise (up), breathe, say, whisper
    opposite: deny
    near: disallow, disavow, disclaim, disown, contradict, dispute, gainsay, negate, negative, rebut, refute, reject, repudiate, conceal, cover (up), hide, obscure, veil, kid (oneself)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Acknowledge

The most common words with a similar meaning to Acknowledge:

admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, fess (up), grant, own (up to), come clean (about)

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Acknowledge

Words with the opposite meaning of Acknowledge:

deny

Related Words for Acknowledge

disburden, unburden, unload, affirm, avow, confirm, profess, accept, recognize, yield, announce, break, broadcast, communicate, declare, disclose, divulge, impart, proclaim, publish, reveal, spill, tell, unveil, betray, blab, expose, give away, inform, leak

Near Antonyms of Acknowledge

disallow, disavow, disclaim, disown, contradict, dispute, gainsay, negate, negative, rebut, refute, reject, repudiate, conceal, cover (up), hide, obscure, veil, kid (oneself)

Word Forms of Acknowledge

Inflections: acknowledged, acknowledging

Origin & Etymology of Acknowledge

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 on on:1 + cnāwan "to know:1") + knowledge

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Acknowledge

  • Topics: Greetings & Introductions

Frequently Asked Questions about Acknowledge

What does "Acknowledge" mean?

"Acknowledge" means to recognize the rights, authority, or status of. As a verb, it is defined as: to recognize the rights, authority, or status of.

What is another word for "Acknowledge"?

Other words for "Acknowledge" include admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, fess (up), grant and own (up to). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Acknowledge" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Acknowledge"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Acknowledge". Common alternatives include admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, fess (up), grant, own (up to) and come clean (about).

What is the opposite of "Acknowledge"?

Antonyms of "Acknowledge" include deny. Near antonyms include disallow, disavow, disclaim and disown.

How do you use "Acknowledge" in a sentence?

Examples of "Acknowledge" in a sentence: "finally had to acknowledge that she'd outgrown her favorite jacket".

Is "Acknowledge" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Acknowledge" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Acknowledge"?

"Acknowledge" is pronounced /ik-ˈnä-lij/ and divided into syllables as ac·knowl·edge.

What is the origin of the word "Acknowledge"?

"Acknowledge" comes from 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 on on:1 + cnāwan "to know:1") + knowledge. First known use: 15th century.