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 When Zane confided that his pet cat – Holly – once brought him back from the brink of suicide as a teenager, the chatbot responded that Zane would see her on the other side. Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 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
  • But now, the owners of capital want to bring the unifying corporate narrative in-house and entrust it to an insider who can create a mythology that converts brand promise into a hero’s journey, an epic tale that stars every consumer who commits him or herself to the brand’s belief system.
    Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The investigation has been entrusted to the Carabinieri of Parma and the Specialized Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Bologna, under the coordination of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
    Chiara Pizzimenti, Vanity Fair, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Moments later, the person in the video drove away, leaving the kittens behind but one man quickly stepped in.
    Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The killer exited through the window, walked across neighborhood backyards and down the alley, leaving a trail of evidence behind him.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Haley McCutcheon scored two late goals and the Orlando Pride handed Angel City its first loss of the season, 2-1, on Friday night.
    Daily News, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Detectives say Bowen met with another man and handed him a bag that looked like a firearm case.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Before his final drill, a friend about 30 yards away gave him some encouragement after a good rep, to which all Wilson could do was smile and shake his head.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Anaheim’s Jeffrey Viel then took elbowing and roughing penalties with 15 seconds left that gave Nashville a man advantage for four minutes, and boos rained down from the Honda Center at the end of the second period for the second straight game.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Stricter rules were imposed on documentation required for sponsors, border agents started pressuring unaccompanied children to self-deport before transferring them to shelters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement started arresting some sponsors in the middle of the release process.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • At safety, Panthers fans surely shed a tear when true-freshman star Jessiah McGrew transferred to Arizona State.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are issues, too, if the integrity of the game can’t be trusted.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • With his approval rating slipping and scrutiny mounting over how his office communicates with Marylanders, this week’s reader poll asks whether voters still trust the governor to level with the public.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 4 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
  • Michael recommended a company called SwissChems.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • David Brown did not agree, but instead recommended that Stillman be suspended for no more than five days.
    CBS Chicago Team, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Confide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confide. Accessed 10 Apr. 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