plural confidences
1
: a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something
The class gave me more confidence.
He lacked the confidence to succeed.
The experience gave her the confidence to start her own business.
Good grades boosted/bolstered her confidence.
It takes time to build/gain confidence when you are learning a new skill.
He's brimming with confidence. = He's full of confidence.
They have an air of confidence about them.
—often + inHe has a lot of confidence in himself.
2
: a feeling or belief that someone or something is good or has the ability to succeed at something
The candidate has won/lost the confidence [=trust] of voters.
She has done little to gain/earn their confidence.
There is a recent increase in consumer confidence. [=the good feelings that people have about the economy]
—often + inThey have complete/full confidence in their coach.
His parents had confidence in their son's ability to succeed.
The case inspired/restored confidence in our system of justice.
Recent scandals have undermined confidence in the city's public officials.
3
: the feeling of being certain that something will happen or that something is true
School officials express confidence that the problem will soon be resolved.
We still can't talk about the future with any degree of confidence. [=we don't know what will happen in the future]
We have every confidence [=we are sure] that you'll make the right decision.
4
: a relationship in which you tell personal and private information to someone
Doctors cannot betray the confidence of their patients. [=cannot reveal their patients' personal information to other people]
She accused him of a betrayal/breach of confidence.
He told me in confidence that he didn't know how to read.
Your personal information will be kept in strict/strictest confidence. [=no one will be told your personal information]
Note: If you take someone into your confidence, you tell someone secrets or private information about your life.
5
: a secret that you tell someone you trust
close friends sharing confidences
She accused him of betraying a confidence. [=she said that he told her secret to other people]
Cite this Entry
“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/confidence. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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