CONFIDE Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

confide

verb

kən-ˈfīd

Definition of confide next

as in to hand

to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another the local SPCA was looking for homes for a number of exotic animals confided to its care

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Over tea with Zoe, Cheryl confides that much of her life has been spent, well, in the dark. —

Sarene Leeds, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024 Thimig then confided to Lothar that the Alpine farmer was Reuss. —

Tomas Weber, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 There's all the usual romantic comedy the show is known for, too, with Mindy confiding her feelings for Josh to her ex, Tom (Bill Hader). —

Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Sue was one of the few people in whom Lindsay confided about her difficulties after Callan’s birth. —

Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for confide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide

Verb

When handing it back, the car showed 40.5 mpg on the long-term readout.

Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to accept the honor, Audiard handed the mic to Gascón, who made history as the first trans actress ever nominated for a Golden Globe.

Dave Quinn, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025