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as in secret
information shared only with another or with a select few accused him of betraying an important confidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 confidence His message emphasizes calm confidence, encouraging pet parents to embrace their role as the pack leader in their home. Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025 Nevertheless, Charlotte has gone 11-2 over its final 13 games and is brimming with confidence, with or without Zaha. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 Going out there with a confidence, standing tall. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 The Dallas head coach expressed confidence in the fourth-year cornerback. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence
Noun
  • Wings will need to know details of the programs and get assurance that the government will repay the line of credit, according to the letter.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Also, there is no assurance of affordability once a developer is in the picture, and the city of Lakewood has no accounting of how many affordable units have been built, at least the number has not been made public when asked in council meetings.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While these remain allegations and suspicions at this time the facts remain that the size, timing, and one-way directionality of the position indicate higher-than-normal certainty for such a large unhedged position.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Fears turned to near certainty.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Al-Sudani, who rose to power after that upheaval, insisted his government had taken tangible steps to restore public trust, such as economic progress and political stability.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Lensed in New York by renowned portrait photographer Platon, the campaign unfolds in bold black-and-white images and a series of short films hinging on the five themes of friendship, respect, connection, trust and warmth, completed by behind-the-scenes moments.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether seen as a necessary application of justice or a politically fraught escalation, the case ensures that the debate over how America manages its most sensitive secrets is far from over.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • She’s being bullied at school due to the fact her psychic gifts that helped solve The Grabber case are no longer a secret.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pribula, who continues to grow as a first-year starter, has shown steady composure despite last week’s loss.
    Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Technical skills can be taught, but composure, teamwork and recovery under pressure are what drive performance.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some studies show that adding MSG can improve meal satisfaction and slightly reduce calorie intake.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Many of us are yearning for a slower pace and more tangible satisfaction.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Miller is an expert interviewer and has given cinephiles a real gift as a candid Scorsese talks about his battles with drugs and his connection to faith.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The narrator’s faith in this flimsy visual evidence is childlike.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But as Teigen pointed out, losing weight will never fix self-confidence issues.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Through this, that creates this self-compassion, self-confidence.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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