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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 Then, confidence suddenly began to drain away. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 The losses shook investors’ confidence in Milei’s ability to see through his economic reforms. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025 The United Nations welcomed two new officials to the advisory committee for its Human Rights Council this week in a vote that did not inspire confidence in the humanitarian body. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025 Their confidence was supported by the release of the first red-band trailer, which racked up 107 million global views within 24 hours of its July drop, setting a new all-time record for a red-band trailer. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence
Noun
  • With Iran now rejecting new negotiations without firm assurances on sanctions relief and security guarantees, both sides appear locked in a cycle of escalation that threatens to deepen the regional crisis.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But some neighbors dismissed the assurances.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The young woman questioned his certainty.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Jones says that manufacturers, foreign or domestic, are simply crying out for certainty and clear policy directions.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An 8-point jump in measures of trust on the Great Place To Work survey for those employees.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Restoring trust means delivering results, not excuses, through mandatory ethics training for all city staff to ensure accountability.
    Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Why the ex-beauty queen let the cat out of the bag was de Moura had been holding the sizzling secret over her head, so Lemigova beat her to the punch.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Behind closed doors, Rader was hiding dark secrets, even as a child.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On First Take, Ohanian took the opportunity to clap back with composure and wit.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Just, even that last play, keeping his composure, fighting like hell to get the ball off, and threw a hell of a ball.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In recent polling by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, satisfaction with Abbas hovers at fifteen per cent, and demand for his resignation is overwhelming.
    Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
  • All the same, there’s a grim satisfaction in seeing exactly how the corruption sets in.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mostly not to other faiths, the numbers show, but rather to various categories of religious unaffiliation.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Sharing love after tragedy In the weeks and then months after Rashaad’s death, Chinara found solace in faith and family and through the counseling urged by her mother.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • No matter the amount of money lost, being scammed can damage mental and physical health, erode self-confidence and diminish one’s quality of life.
    Madhusree Mukerjee, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The haunted bad boy has always struggled with self-confidence, despite his talent and intelligence.
    Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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