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 This lawless crew shares dramaturgical DNA with the vice figures from medieval morality plays, personifications of sinfulness who would confide their schemes to the audience and make theatergoers their co-conspirators in a riveting game that obviously left its mark on a young Shakespeare. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026 The game warden who conducted my background check confided that the state is so hard up for hunte-ed instructors that hunting experience is no longer a requirement for teaching the class. The Editors, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025 The investigation began in July 2016, when a church member in whom Taylor confided reported the claims to officials at the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the lawsuit says. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 White once confided that just about everyone on the UFC roster wants to get the call for the event, and Buffer echoed those sentiments. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide
Verb
  • That men like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are entrusted with businesses of tectonic influence can be difficult to understand, but their cults of personality have been able to survive scrutiny, perhaps because the money itself is too imposing a firewall for their own stupidity to penetrate.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2026
  • For Terry, there’s a deep pride in the endowment that’s been entrusted to her care.
    Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That could leave the nomination in limbo and Powell still in charge.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Evans wound up taking less money to leave Tampa Bay and sign with the 49ers.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In the final days of the war, the Nazis sought to destroy the party’s vast collection of membership cards but they were saved at the last minute and later handed to the Americans.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Brendan Fitzgerald has left his role as CEO of Secuoya Studios, which is at the same time handing complete independence to its Latin American arm.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Suzuki’s long ball was part of a three-run seventh, which helped give the Cubs a five-run cushion.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Korean gochujang paste gives the dish fiery, funky heat.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If no owner comes forward, Ingram said the zebra will likely be transferred to a nearby exotic animal sanctuary.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone trusts Max Muncy to lay off bad pitches.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Get off the ball early, trusting us to make plays.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Coyle also delegates various administrators representing each sport to keep lists of prospective coaches.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Michael Ciaglo / Bloomberg via Getty Images The Constitution delegates the power to run elections to states.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Good Jobs First report recommends that all states fully report their losses from data center tax breaks, including how those incentives affect local revenue streams.
    Kevin Hardy, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This is why Rubens recommends focusing on determinate varieties of tomatoes.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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