self-confidence

noun

self-con·​fi·​dence ˌself-ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s How to pronounce self-confidence (audio)
-ˌden(t)s
Synonyms of self-confidencenext
: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities
self-confident
ˌself-ˈkän-fə-dənt How to pronounce self-confidence (audio)
-ˌdent
adjective
self-confidently adverb

Synonyms of self-confidence

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Examples of self-confidence in a Sentence

for so young a pianist, he has remarkable composure and self-confidence on stage
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And yet his self-confidence was a kind of hubris. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 Yet his calm self-confidence and assertive humility are within reach for all of us. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Children who see positive behaviors from their parents can develop self-confidence and higher self esteem. — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 11 June 2026 No one expected Joint to suddenly start serving like Williams or possess her unshakable self-confidence. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-confidence

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-confidence was in 1604

Rhymes for self-confidence

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Browse Nearby Words

self-confession
self-confidence
self-confident
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Cite this Entry

“Self-confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-confidence. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-confidence

noun
self-con·​fi·​dence
ˈself-ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s, 
-fə-ˌden(t)s
: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities
self-confident
-fəd-ənt, 
-fə-ˌdent
adjective
self-confidently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on self-confidence

Nglish: Translation of self-confidence for Spanish Speakers

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