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as in secret
information shared only with another or with a select few accused him of betraying an important confidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word confidence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of confidence are aplomb, assurance, and self-possession. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

In what contexts can aplomb take the place of confidence?

While in some cases nearly identical to confidence, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

When could assurance be used to replace confidence?

The words assurance and confidence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When might self-possession be a better fit than confidence?

The words self-possession and confidence can be used in similar contexts, but self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of confidence Of note, leaders of larger companies and those operating in more than 20 countries are more likely to report a loss in comms and public affairs confidence. Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 Financial markets have adapted to Trump’s rhetoric, and while fluctuations were seen around his statements, the overall confidence in the Fed’s direction remains anchored. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025 His majority government from 2015 had lost support and became a minority four years later before a confidence and supply agreement with the rival New Democrat Party propped him up. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 The only way is to give some confidence to the players is to win games. Sam Pilger, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for confidence 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence
Noun
  • Branthwaite initially struggled in the Netherlands and Everton came close to recalling him before receiving assurances opportunities would come.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Despite assurances that the conservative movement’s best minds would have a Day One agenda ready backed up by legal genius’ years of preparation, the first steps proved full of trouble.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This settlement is a fair outcome, given the evidence put forth by SCE and [the CPUC Public Advocates Office], and recovery will provide long-term financial certainty so SCE can continue to safely and affordably deliver clean, reliable electricity to our customers.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Williams said Bloomberg Philanthropies wanted to offer certainty to U.N. Climate Change that their budget would be met.
    Thalia Beaty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The situation, which involved tarot card readings and an incident with olives, has led to debate about trust, friendships and boundaries in relationships.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Establishing trust between a director and a subject is a key component of making a good documentary.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Find out all of this and more as the cast members let their secrets loose!
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Nature’s hidden secrets are unveiled in photography competition There were over 11,000 entries in the 2024 Close-up Photographer of the Year competition.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That composure led to him landing a knee in the third round after a scramble to get off the mat and setting up the ground strikes that finished the fight at the 3:43 mark of Round 3.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Trailing 6-4, Tien showed remarkable composure and character to win six of the last seven points, securing the victory in four hours, 49 minutes.
    George Ramsay, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Mets’ three-year offer in the $70 million range to Alonso has been out there for a couple of weeks now and nobody has stepped up to top it — or at least certainly not significantly enough to Alonso’s satisfaction.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Oh, and there’s no prize, except the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In their own ways, each of them had rebelled against their parents’ expectations and against the Mormon faith.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
  • But the magnetic Ingar ultimately makes sense of a radiantly charismatic but lonely girl for whom friendship has become her faith — something to be trustingly followed into the unknown.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Setbacks are essential for personal growth, and without them, children may struggle with self-confidence when faced with difficulties.
    Jazmin Towe, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Joella is not shy about her self-confidence, as evidenced by her, well, everything.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near confidence

Cite this Entry

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on confidence

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