confession
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for confession, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use confession
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French confession, from Latin cōnfessiō, "an admission or acknowledgment."
Full origin of confession →Frequently asked questions
What does “confession” mean?
The word “confession” means a statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true. In plain terms, an admission of guilt, wrongdoing, or truth — or, in Catholic practice, telling a priest your sins.
How do you pronounce “confession”?
“Confession” is pronounced kuhn-FEH-shuhn (/kənˈfɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “confession” in a sentence?
Here is “confession” used in a sentence: “The suspect signed a written confession.”
What part of speech is “confession”?
“Confession” is a noun.
Where does the word “confession” come from?
The word “confession” comes from Latin. From Old French confession, from Latin cōnfessiō, "an admission or acknowledgment.".
Is “confession” a common word?
“Confession” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “confession” have?
“Confession” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true.
What is the difference between a confession and an admission?
Both involve acknowledging something, but a confession usually admits guilt or wrongdoing and often carries a sense of unburdening. An admission is broader and can simply concede a fact without any suggestion of blame.
What is the difference between confession and repentance?
Confession is the act of admitting a wrong, or of telling one's sins. Repentance goes further, involving genuine regret and a commitment to change one's behaviour.
What is the difference between a confession and a testimony?
A confession admits one's own wrongdoing, or the truth of something. A testimony is a formal statement of what a person has witnessed or believes, often given in court or a religious setting, and it is not necessarily about oneself.
What verbs are commonly used with confession?
Common collocations include 'make a confession,' 'sign a confession,' and 'extract a confession.' In a religious context a priest is said to 'hear' a confession, while in law a confession is often 'obtained.'