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
  • Uthmeier was previously the governor’s chief of staff and was entrusted to run DeSantis’ presidential campaign when his poll numbers were tanking.
    Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • These responsibilities are the reason society entrusts lawyers with responsibilities unlike those of any other profession.
    Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Still others tend the fleet already in orbit, refueling, relocating, and extending the life of satellites, and clearing the debris that crowded orbits leave behind.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • As a result, more producers have chosen to go elsewhere, leaving a quieter landscape for Georgians seeking employment in film and TV.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Bishop Seidenbusch handed him the missions of Northern Minnesota’s entirety in 1888, with an emphasis on Iron Range towns.
    Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
  • Because money is fungible, by paying a candidate’s bills, a party is essentially handing him cash, undermining any limits on contributions.
    Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Because of that, the resolution called on the Legislature to give counties more oversight.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The most fascinating quarter-final tie for me, given that Switzerland denied us an ​all-South American affair between Argentina​ and Colombia.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 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
  • The lender trusted Nguyen because his cousin had once been married to Nguyen in Vietnam.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • February 19 – March 20 A thoughtful agreement could make a connection feel sweeter and easier to trust.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 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
  • The concerts are well attended; a folding chair is recommended.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The jury awarded her $3 million in damages and recommended an additional $3 million in punitive damages.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Confide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confide. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on confide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster