confess

/kənˈfɛs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: confesses · confessing · confessed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To admit to the truth, particularly in the context of sins or crimes committed.

Verb

Examples

I confess to spray-painting all over that mural!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To acknowledge faith in; to profess belief in.

Verb

Examples

Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess, also, before my Father which is in heaven.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “confess” mean?

To admit to the truth, particularly in the context of sins or crimes committed.

Is “confess” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.