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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 There's no more important accessory than personal confidence. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 4 July 2025 Because investors hold those assets for long periods of time, they’re mostly affected by factors such as the economic outlook, inflation expectations, the size of the federal deficit and investors’ confidence in Treasury bonds as a safe and reliable investment, Canavan said. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 4 July 2025 If he had been signed to a multi-year contract in free agency, maybe there would be more confidence in his ability to be a safe option going into camp. Nick Harris july 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2025 Athit Perawongmetha | Reuters China is devising more ways for foreign institutions to use the yuan, as international confidence in the U.S. dollar falters. Lee Ying Shan,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for confidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence
Noun
  • The vote remained open for more than three hours Saturday night as holdouts met with Senate GOP leaders to seek assurances on the bill.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 29 June 2025
  • Our assurance stems from a thorough evaluation that contrasts its current valuation with its historical operating performance and financial health.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • In a world where the only certainty is change, agility isn't just an advantage.
    Elaine Pulakos, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • That certainty dampens any excitement to find out what happens to her next.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • If trust was lost by the elimination of foreign aid, imagine the hit to our reputation as the world sees our government turn its back on its own citizens’ health.
    Jennifer Boulanger, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
  • The trust would also provide opportunities to have stockpiles and source metals from recycled sources.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Well, Iran wasn't keeping its stockpile of enriched uranium secret.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 June 2025
  • Speaking to me the day before the final, co-founder and executive chairman Alex Magleby explained some of the secrets behind that success.
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Beating Indiana to even the series in Game 4 on the road, then holding their composure to win Game 7 at home, would be harder than opening a bottle of Champagne.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 June 2025
  • Their average rotation age was among the youngest ever for a champion, and yet their composure never wavered under the bright lights.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Successful adopters establish clear metrics to gauge AI utilization, employee satisfaction and overall business impact.
    Mike Hyzy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • It's associated with irritability, guilt, reduced life satisfaction, and depression.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The energy around you may feel optimistic, so now is the time to restore faith in the process of your personal journey.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • His father, a quiet Wasp from Indiana, was an engineer, and his mother was an Irish Catholic who, in addition to working in the Connecticut school system, kept house and raised her good-looking children in the faith.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • No Smoke and Mirrors, Just Strategic Thinking with a Human Dimension So, add your own sense of humility to prediction-making—not to undermine your self-confidence, but to enrich your thinking with humanity.
    Stanley C. Middleman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The seminars serve as a way to help students envision themselves as being successful and create more self-confidence.
    Irit Skulnik, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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