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 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 This was caused by the participants feeling unheard and invalidated when confiding their concerns to people who engaged in toxic positivity. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confide
Verb
  • The narrative centers on the mercenary Dao Ma, a wandering bounty hunter who is entrusted to escort a mysterious fugitive across the treacherous Western deserts to the capital of Chang’an.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Owners are entrusting brokers with significant financial decisions.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Late November through May is the dry season there, which means fewer rains to stir up the water—leaving it with some of the clearest visibility for snorkeling and diving all year.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • San Francisco put on the hardest of sells on to try to keep the talented linebacker — head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch flew to Texas to try to talk him out of leaving — but Greenlaw ultimately chose the Broncos.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Last month, in a separate case, Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal handed Lai a rare legal victory by overturning his conviction for fraud ⁠and ​quashing a 69-month sentence.
    Reuters 8 hr ago, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The Heat was in control the rest of the way, handing the Nets their 10th straight loss.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Noting some confusion over the like-for-like numbers this year, given recent changes to the business structure, the analysts said that weapon and ammunition growth will remain elevated, and there is scope for its naval business to be resilient, too.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The dozens of demonstrators who signed up to give their public comment had to wait outside.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The camp is intended for short-term stays before detainees are transferred or deported.
    Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Easter brunch is the perfect excuse to cook these decadents rolls—and, trust us, everyone will thank you.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The prophecy of sorts seems to suggest the Frasers will violate their own plan to steer clear of the war, but can it be trusted?
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The commander in chief has broad authority to personally classify or declassify documents as delegated by proper processes under Executive Order 13526, issued by Obama, said Liza Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The orders had been delegated down to the field commanders.
    March 2, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Times outdoors reporter Jaclyn Cosgrove also recommends drinks and dinner on the charming balcony at Checker Hall in Highland Park.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Sheri Penzari, who has worked for United, Delta, and the now-defunct Eastern Air Lines, also recommends dual-purpose dressing.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on confide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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