Definition of confidenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word confide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of confide are commit, consign, entrust, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

When is commit a more appropriate choice than confide?

While in some cases nearly identical to confide, commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody.

committed the felon to prison

When could consign be used to replace confide?

While the synonyms consign and confide are close in meaning, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

Where would entrust be a reasonable alternative to confide?

In some situations, the words entrust and confide are roughly equivalent. However, entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

When would relegate be a good substitute for confide?

The words relegate and confide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of.

relegated to an obscure position in the company

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 confide Aylesworth says her mother previously confided that Brian Hooker choked her. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 Instead, Shawn stages his story as a panel of intimate testimonies, confided to us alone. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026 Whitlock reveals that to keep news of Husky out of the press, Ike called war correspondents together and confided plans for Husky. Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 Her work in this comprehensive anthology braids politics, gender, history and memory into confiding and powerful lyrics. Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide
Verb
  • But those entrusted with the authority to use force must be trained to assess threat levels, evaluate proportional risk and employ non-lethal options before resorting to deadly force.
    Amy Stoddard, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2026
  • Every so often, one guest will entrust Marcelina with a blank palette, and to get creative.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • People leaving Los Angeles and California are raising the cost of living in some red states after years of relocating from the left-leaning state.
    Lindsay Kornick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
  • Panish said Grossman then struck the two older boys at nearly 73 mph, sending Mark 252 feet down the road and leaving a Mercedes grille pattern on his body.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Tovar ambushed Kilian’s first offering, pulling a two-run homer over the left-field fence to hand the Giants their fourth straight loss.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
  • If the 5 in 5 rule means the clock is ticking on their college eligibility as soon as they’re handed a high school diploma, more Minnesota kids are likely to leave the prep ranks early.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The Washington Nationals used Richard Lovelady, who blew Monday’s series opener, as an opener, followed by veteran Miles Mikolas for a bulk appearance, their most promising combination given their roster construction and arms available.
    Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 3 June 2026
  • Further, current macroeconomic risks would call for more hedging, given that consumer sentiment may be pressured in the coming months by persistently higher oil prices, while decline in the savings rate could signal another sign of fragility, Murphy said.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Other students will transfer to two additional schools.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Everything learned can be transferred to ABB’s commercial charger installations.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Since the middle of 2025, the cost of insuring hyperscaler debt through credit default swaps has climbed, a sign that some investors are paying up for protection rather than trusting the ratings, Reuters reported.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • People also need time to trust a machine that works near them every day.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Two other amendments — one to increase individual campaign contribution limits to $500 and another to allow the City Council to delegate authority to boards and commissions — are also being considered.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
  • Family court officials typically strive to keep children separate from the litigation, delegating to guardians ad litem the task of determining their best interests.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • For comparison, the two products recommended to me by Lancome were $155 and $175.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • There’s a simple, three-ingredient herbal tea recommended by experts that could help to improve digestion, gas, bloating, and your overall gut health.
    Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confide. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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