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 The problem with Dolan, this person confided, was that the owner fancied himself knowledgeable about basketball. Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 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, 11 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 See All Example Sentences for confide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide
Verb
  • Consumers are also entrusting AI with consequential financial tasks.
    Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Steve Schultz, senior vice president of Purdue University, said the institution is in discussions with the government of Kiribati over a potential agreement that would entrust Purdue with custody of the wreckage.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Students who took the stand described a heated exchange over Anthony’s refusal on a rainy spring day to leave a tent that belonged to Metcalf’s team.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Keep the promise that matters, then leave room for improvisation.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The bold reforms, which Tinubu’s government argues saved the economy and handed the government more money, were cheered by investors but resulted in soaring inflation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • He was handed a wild card to play doubles at Wimbledon this year but lost in the first round.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Arts District is a short rideshare away and gives you all the indie bars and restaurants and vintage shopping.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Karlie Lema’s pressure gave Bay FC (5-10-4) a lead in the sixth minute, but Moriya responded a minute later to tie it and Utah (11-6-3) took the lead in the 22nd minute on Narumi’s shot from outside the box.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, then transfer to a small bowl.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • After that point, it would likely be transferred to another shelter that is more suitable for pigs outside of Los Angeles.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In their place, new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will need to trust that a younger group will step up.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Virgo August 23 – September 22 Your inner clarity gets easier to trust today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Wilson Tamfuh, a public and international law professor at the University of Dschang in West Cameroon, said the country has institutions that can keep the government running when the president delegates responsibilities.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Greek authorities delegated the NTSB as the lead investigating agency in the incident.
    Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After the study’s publication, Wakefield went on to recommend splitting the vaccines into single shots.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For the best results, Bataille recommends applying it to damp hair, concentrating at the roots, then blow-drying the hair up and away from the scalp to maximize volume.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confide. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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