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 At a recent legacy nonprofit gala, a colleague confided that the event was the same thing—and the same people—year after year. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Then Rocha saw him a year later, and the student confided that college just wasn’t for him. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for confide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide
Verb
  • In an increasingly complicated world, those entrusted with power seem less able—or willing—than ever to take on the threats that loom.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For a lot of the people at that desk, this is the first job anyone has entrusted them with.
    — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One flight last week leaving from al-Qassim airport north of Riyadh to Geneva, sold for €94,000 ($105,000), compared with a price of about €60,000 ($67,000) before the closure of the main airport in Riyadh.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This serving tray combines natural rattan with an elevated floral pattern filled with roses and autumn leaves atop a stainless steel base.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The claw would drop, close on a bear’s head and lift it, then either lose its grip or hand you something else.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Position grades were brutal, with F’s handed to the quarterback, running back and offensive line — Dak Prescott finished 34 of 54 for 258 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, and the backfield mustered just 41 rushing yards on 13 carries.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Four turboprop engines power the aircraft, giving it the performance needed for demanding military transport operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The 56-year-old was transferred on Friday from FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey to FCI Allenwood, a low-security prison in Pennsylvania, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson confirmed with The Times.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Through its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) programme, the service aims to develop modular systems that can be transferred between different military vehicles to expand air defense capabilities beyond specialized units.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While draft version histories are not sacred texts, being asked to share them in exchange for exoneration does introduce some thorny social questions about how much writers need to show an audience — or accuser — in order to be trusted.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Some voters say Trump’s optimism feels out of touch; many loyal supporters still trust his leadership and credit his policies despite feeling the squeeze.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Mechanisms for delegating decision-making will be even more essential than in the past, as the danger of disconnection increases.
    — Kathleen Curlee, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement As for now, the Vatican has not indicated that Leo is in any way incapable of performing or delegating his duties.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Stokes recommends that users turn off the option that lets Meta train its AI on conversations, and periodically review what the assistant has saved about them.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The spacious accommodations, indoor pool, gardens, and warm service make this an easy hotel to recommend for families.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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