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 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 One writer confides to another, after each is introduced as the other at a literacy benefit auction, Amazing. Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 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
  • As orphanages closed, more orphans and low-income children were entrusted to the care of foster parents in private homes.
    Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Brady Lum was accused of stealing more than $600,000 from the organization while entrusted with its assets.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • That leaves the amusement park on the border of the Carolinas in Charlotte and Rock Hill without one of its signature attractions at the height of its busy summer season.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Rescuers recovered 11 bodies, mostly women and children, and handed them over to relatives for burial, Faizi said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Women’s World Cup 2019 Two second-half goals handed the United States victory over the Netherlands.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 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
  • If someone is affected by heat, immediately transfer them to a cool and shaded area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • An emotional buildup isn’t new for them, but the clarity with which its alt-rock grandiosity is captured is—a result of trusting producer Alex Farrar, at Asheville’s Drop of Sun Studio, for the first time.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
  • The dog must trust the handler enough to move across unstable ground, and through noise, dust, rain, and crowds.
    Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Most day-to-day tasks will be delegated to agents, while humans reskill and focus on architecting systems that identify unique marketing alpha.
    Thenuka Karunaratne, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Shareholder wealth is too important to delegate to the computer games of intellectual play.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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