1
2
3
4
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
  • And there is no assurance, as recent examples indicate, that DJS will even learn that a youthful offender wearing an ankle monitor is AWOL.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025
  • That level of assurance does not appear to be materializing at this time.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 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
  • Operational excellence matters, but what sets leaders apart is recovery: fast, proactive and rooted in consumer trust.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
  • Slim majorities of California voters had little or no trust that Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature act in the best interest of the public.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • See the finds in Greece Off the coast of Greece, the Antikythera shipwreck continues to reveal its secrets, with recent excavations uncovering ancient sculptures and pottery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • Years later there is an update with the case that forces Azi to contend with her biggest secret.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • She was eventually taken off her flight and reportedly booked a new ticket after regaining her composure, per the outlet.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Stevens’s reflections on his years of service reveal what’s pulsing beneath his composure: the choice to look away from troubling secrets and repress personal desires.
    Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • These granular insights help fine-tune strategy, improve customer satisfaction and enhance operational efficiency.
    Roman Lavrentev, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • However, rather than addressing these shortages through a focus on employee satisfaction, other businesses are already exploring a different solution: Automation.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Reagan restored the country’s faith after the national traumas of the Vietnam era and won passage of a significant tax reform bill and a major immigration measure, though his efforts to tame mounting federal deficits proved largely unsuccessful.
    Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
  • To all my babies that are listening to this one, big up yourself always because faith and hard work toward your vision will eventually place your dreams at your feet.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Research indicates, for instance, that nostalgia provides a bevy of psychological benefits, increasing an individual’s sense of satisfaction, self-confidence, and social connection, all while staving off their feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Enduring the heat in New Orleans calls for layers, patterns, and prints that evoke self-confidence.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on confidence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!