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

Carter’s confidence hasn’t wavered despite criticism following his rookie season. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

If Johnson’s struggles continue Miami’s coaching staff must discuss taking something off his plate (like manning the nickel spot) before his confidence gets shaken. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

Daring the market to test him Even as the bond markets have moved against him, Bessent has continued his trademark confidence. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

That is a sharp decline from after the 2024 election, when 77% of Democrats, 82% of Republicans and 73% of independents expressed such confidence, the same pollsters found then. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing confidence

• confidence man