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 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 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
  • It was enabled by those most entrusted to prevent it, acting in the belief that the cause required continuity.
    Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • But a new watchdog memo raises serious questions about whether the private contractors entrusted with that work are adequately protecting taxpayer information.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • That brightness will overwhelm many of the faint Delta Aquariid meteors, leaving only the brightest examples visible.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The ruling leaves the DOJ with a losing record in district court cases seeking such data, in addition to an earlier appellate loss.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • In that case, Canada lost six points, while their coach, Bev Priestman, along with analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, were handed a one-year ban from football by FIFA.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Gacic handed the officer a plastic bag containing a schoolmaster snapper and two lobster, according to the report.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Nicolás Fernández scored on a penalty kick in the 9th minute to give NYCFC (7-6-5) an early lead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Wearing bold, high-quality, or timeless pieces is best to give you that boost in confidence this August.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Another person later died after being transferred to a local hospital, officials said during a press conference.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 27 July 2026
  • Thomas County Central quarterback Aidan McPherson’s successful appeal for eligibility after his transfer from Rome was big news this week, but McPherson is hardly the only big-name player who has transferred this offseason.
    Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • But many others are more cautious, suggesting skepticism when trusting your health to AI.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Gen Z doesn’t trust AI, either The same instinct for verification shows up in how Gen Z treats artificial intelligence.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Empowering the next level of leaders—or delegating decisions downward—sounds beneficial for everyone.
    Julie Williamson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Instead, Captain Pike delegates the investigation to Division 12, a mysterious branch of Starfleet that specializes in unexplained phenomena.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The legislative report recommended the governor establish a job for someone to work among and between state agencies and independent commissions to direct the state’s wildlife connectivity projects.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In the short term, the department recommends neighborhoods find ways to use their parks, just as Villa Heights did.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confide. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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