Synonyms of confidence

confidence

noun

ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 

1

as in assurance

great faith in oneself or one's abilities

a lifelong confidence that enabled her to achieve great things despite powerful obstacles

Synonyms & Similar Words

• assurance
• composure
• self-confidence
• self-assurance
• self-assuredness
• self-trust
• pride
• pridefulness
• aplomb
• self-esteem
• complacency
• vanity
• overconfidence
• cockiness
• smugness
• hubris
• ego
• self-satisfaction
• self-complacency
• self-admiration
• calmness
• self-opinion
• conceitedness
• superiority
• egoism
• equanimity
• complacence
• self-contentment
• self-content
• self-conceit
• egotism
• coolness
• self-assumption
• pomposity
• vainglory
• self-importance
• self-glorification
• self-consequence
• pompousness
• vaingloriousness
• self-applause
• conceit
• self-possession
• haughtiness
• imperiousness
• assumption
• loftiness
• bumptiousness
• superciliousness
• self-poise
• hauteur
• peremptoriness
• lordliness
• presumptuousness
• self-partiality
• toploftiness
• huffiness
• pretentiousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insecurity
• diffidence
• doubt
• self-doubt
• apprehension
• self-distrust
• misgiving

2

as in certainty

a state of mind in which one is free from doubt

the confidence with which the game show contestant answered every question

Synonyms & Similar Words

• assurance
• certainty
• satisfaction
• conviction
• assuredness
• positiveness
• certitude
• sureness
• surety
• cocksureness
• doubtlessness
• face
• determination
• decisiveness
• dogmatism
• authoritarianism
• firmness
• resolve
• resolution
• purposefulness
• resoluteness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertainty
• doubt
• hesitation
• hesitancy
• concern
• indecisiveness
• anxiety
• irresolution
• disbelief
• incredulity
• incertitude
• nonconfidence
• unbelief
• distrust
• suspicion
• mistrust
• misgiving

3

as in trust

firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness, or genuineness of someone or something

as players, we have complete confidence in our coach

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trust
• faith
• certainty
• assurance
• conviction
• stock
• credence
• acceptance
• hope
• assuredness
• positiveness
• certitude
• surety
• reliance
• sureness
• credit
• dependence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distrust
• mistrust
• uncertainty
• doubt
• disbelief
• incredulity
• skepticism
• suspicion
• unbelief
• misgiving
• incertitude
• dubiety
• disillusionment
• disillusion
• disenchantment
• nonconfidence
• dubiousness
• misdoubt
• distrustfulness
• mistrustfulness
• uncertainness

4

as in secret

information shared only with another or with a select few

accused him of betraying an important confidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• secret
• dope
• lowdown

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open secret

Synonym Chooser

How is the word confidence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of confidence are aplomb, assurance, and self-possession. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

In what contexts can aplomb take the place of confidence?

While in some cases nearly identical to confidence, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

When could assurance be used to replace confidence?

The words assurance and confidence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When might self-possession be a better fit than confidence?

The words self-possession and confidence can be used in similar contexts, but self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of confidence

Cruisers University offers seminars and hands-on courses that aim to build confidence and improve sailing skills, the release said. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Dickerson said the new products and services that companies are developing to take advantage of AI give him confidence that demand for chips, and for improvement in the performance and the power efficiency of chips, is only going to increase. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Managers therefore need to assess both capability and confidence in relation to the specific decision. — Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

When asked what would most increase their confidence that a garment is better made, respondents gave material transparency 36 percent of first-place votes and proof of performance 27 percent. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing confidence

• confidence man