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 But during the March video conference, Colorado regulators confided to industry lobbyists that the tool for rooting out fraud isn’t working. Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 15 May 2026 In video testimony last week, Toner said a starting point for the decision to oust Altman was when OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, a respected AI scientist, reached out to confide some of his own concerns. ABC News, 12 May 2026 Patriarch George confides to his descendants in a personal realization about his lengthy time on Fremont Ave. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 May 2026 Aylesworth says her mother previously confided that Brian Hooker choked her. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide
Verb
  • It was enabled by those most entrusted to prevent it, acting in the belief that the cause required continuity.
    Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • But a new watchdog memo raises serious questions about whether the private contractors entrusted with that work are adequately protecting taxpayer information.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • When the boat leaves the shallow saw grass marshes for a 90-foot-deep natural sinkhole called Gator Lake, get your camera ready.
    Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • Upon hearing this, Emira instantly shuts down, leaves the party, and demands her mic be removed.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • In that case, Canada lost six points, while their coach, Bev Priestman, along with analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, were handed a one-year ban from football by FIFA.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Gacic handed the officer a plastic bag containing a schoolmaster snapper and two lobster, according to the report.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Newcastle cannot reach the top as quickly as initially hoped post-takeover, given the financial constraints.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • And when given the opportunity, Andrew, 17, enjoys learning about computers, their functioning and how to troubleshoot technical issues.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Police forcibly transferred a prominent activist to a hospital in New Delhi on Saturday after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike tied to India’s Cockroach Janata Party movement for education reform.
    Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • The school felt he was obligated to honor that deal, which prompted a lawsuit in order that attempted to bar him from transferring.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The club trust the academy, the managers do as well and young players get real chances in the first team.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • But the enterprises that trust Medallia are operating at a scale and complexity that sets a high bar.
    Mark Bishof, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • In that case, Carr delegated authority to FCC staff to approve the takeover.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • But the president doesn’t have control over elections—that power is delegated to the states or to Congress.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Snooz recommends enjoying the ice cream approximately 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, according to the brand’s website.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
  • Public health officials recommend buying whole heads of lettuce rather than bagged, shredded or loose salad mixes (including pre-washed ones).
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confide. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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