acknowledge

American  

[ak-nol-ij] / ækˈnɒl ɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

acknowledged, acknowledging

1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of.

   to acknowledge one's mistakes.

   Synonyms:

   grant, confess, concede

   Antonyms:

   disavow, disclaim, deny

2. to show or express recognition or realization of.

   to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.

3. to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of.

   The students acknowledged the authority of the student council.

4. to show or express appreciation or gratitude for.

   to acknowledge a favor.

5. to indicate or make known the receipt of.

   to acknowledge a letter.

6. to take notice of or reply to.

   to acknowledge a greeting.

7. Law. to confirm as binding or of legal force.

   to acknowledge a deed.

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acknowledge British  

/ əkˈnɒlɪdʒ /

verb

1. (may take a clause as object) to recognize or admit the existence, truth, or reality of

2. to indicate recognition or awareness of, as by a greeting, glance, etc

3. to express appreciation or thanks for

   to acknowledge a gift

4. to make the receipt of known to the sender

   to acknowledge a letter

5. to recognize, esp in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of

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Related Words

Acknowledge, admit, confess agree in the idea of declaring something to be true. Acknowledge implies making a statement reluctantly, often about something previously denied: to acknowledge a fault. Admit especially implies acknowledging something under pressure: to admit a charge. Confess usually means stating somewhat formally an admission of wrongdoing, crime, or shortcoming: to confess guilt; to confess an inability to understand.

Other Word Forms

• acknowledgeable adjective
• acknowledger noun
• preacknowledge verb (used with object)
• reacknowledge verb (used with object)
• unacknowledging adjective

Etymology

Origin of acknowledge

First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English acknowleche, apparently either Middle English aknou(en) “to recognize” + -leche, noun suffix, variant of -lac; or a blend of aknouen and knouleche knowledge; then a- was mistaken for ac-

Explanation

To show that you know something is to acknowledge it. Waving "hello" to acknowledge a friend and nodding your head "yes" to acknowledge that you agree with what's being said are both acts showing knowledge or acceptance of someone or something. Dictionaries acknowledge that the word acknowledge has roots in the 15th and 16th centuries and is a combination of roots meaning "accord," "recognize," and "understand." Whereas "knowledge" is what you know, acknowledging is showing that you know. You might acknowledge that the world is round and that the moon is not made of cheese. You also can acknowledge, or give recognition, to the people who discovered these truths.

Example Sentences

"While we all acknowledge the impact of higher fuel prices, and seek to minimise that impact, no groups are entitled in our republic to hold our people to ransom in such a manner," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Former federal officials and Colony Ridge property owners acknowledge that the settlement includes some provisions to protect consumers in the future.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

NHS data doesn't include people who get the pill from pharmacies, or acknowledge that some devices are now prescribed for longer without needing to be replaced, says Jenny Hall, professor of reproductive health at UCL.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Kempczinski is quick to acknowledge that during the pandemic McDonald’s and others “got a little bit offsides on” affordability.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Very strange hearing him acknowledge it, and it’s a bit of a morale boost to see he still cares.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Related Words

• accept
• agree
• defend
• endorse
• recognize
• support