These words agree in meaning to accept openly, though with some reluctance, the truth or existence of a fact, condition, etc. One acknowledges something embarrassing or awkward, and usually not voluntarily; more often, the acknowledgement is extracted from one more or less unwillingly: The general acknowledged that the war had not been going as well as expected, but he affirmed that a change in strategy would enhance the prospects of victory.

Admit is a bold acknowledgement of implication in something one has formerly tended to deny or to equivocate about: He admitted under questioning that he was in the service of a foreign power, but denied that he was guilty of espionage. One concedes , usually because of overwhelming evidence, something which he has been very reluctant to admit.

• He had no choice but to concede that he had been guilty of bad judgement; In the face of the disastrous military battle, they conceded that victory was no longer attainable, and agreed to a negotiated surrender.

Confess is to admit guilt, as to a crime, or to admit to a shortcoming: to confess that he was an accomplice in the robbery; He confessed that he had never read Lady Chatterley’s Lover.