CONFIDENCES Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

confidence

noun

ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s

Definition of confidence

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 Documents matter, but conversations about relationships, priorities, and trade-offs are what allow others to act with confidence after someone is gone. — Christina Wing, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 Official kits provide a starting point; support for their own ingredients and recipes gives users room to experiment as their confidence grows. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 Public confidence in the CDC, meanwhile, has plummeted, with a recent survey showing only half the country trusts health recommendations from the agency. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026 Roma's confidence will be low after being crushed 6-0 by Barca and held goalless by Belgian side OH Leuven. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confidence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence

Noun

Adams added a warning to companies, along with politicians from both parties, about trying to sell false assurances of economic restoration.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2026
Those assurances preceded Machado’s dramatic reappearance Sunday at a Catholic church in Lara state and a journey across northern Venezuela that drew thousands of cheering supporters to highways and city streets.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

But every business partner of Musk must be thinking that certainty may not be possible when dealing with the world's wealthiest person.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
The deal gives the Timberwolves another year of cost certainty in managing future salary caps around the next maximum contracts anticipated for star guards Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of certainty

Noun

East Aurora coach Nathan Parry trusts Montano in those situations, and that trust was rewarded handsomely Tuesday.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Beyond payment speed, Mastercard is also looking to incorporate blockchain and identity data to establish the same level of trust expected across other payment systems, Driver said.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of trust

Noun

This week's quiz highlights famous feuds, skin secrets, food trends and a lot more.

— Kelly McGreal , Isabella Bernabeo, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
In one experiment, models running in separate virtual machines used processor cache timing to exchange synthetic secrets.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of secret

Noun

With the smoke from the fireworks still hanging in the air, Megill gathered his composure and struck out Jonny DeLuca with a nasty breaking ball to end the game.

— Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
In eleven years of service, Masha had never heard her mistress speak with such lack of composure.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of composure

Noun

As much an acknowledgment of survival as a rallying cry, the song draws out sadness as well as satisfaction from the audience.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Correspondence files can be mined for service failures—moments where the company’s response didn’t match the member’s need—that predict attrition much more accurately than any customer satisfaction survey.

— Amanda Turcotte, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfaction

Noun

His campaign has targeted boosting school attendance and student self-confidence as the district’s two biggest challenges.

— Sophia Veneziano, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
Christina Applegate is back home and prioritizing self-confidence in the latest update on her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-confidence

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confided

confidence

confidence man

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Style

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of confidence

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Synonyms of confidence

noun

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Phrases Containing confidence

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Cite this Entry

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