confidential

adjective

con·​fi·​den·​tial ˌkän-fə-ˈden(t)-shəl How to pronounce confidential (audio)
Synonyms of confidential
1
a
: intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class : private, secret
confidential information
b
: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to the national interest compare secret, top secret
2
: marked by intimacy or willingness to confide
a confidential tone
3
: entrusted with confidences (see confidence sense 4)
a confidential clerk
confidentiality
ˌkän-fə-ˌden(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce confidential (audio)
noun
confidentially
ˌkän-fə-ˈden(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce confidential (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of confidential

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Examples of confidential in a Sentence

These documents are completely confidential. “I have something to tell you,” John said in a confidential tone. Her voice was quiet and confidential. She worked as a confidential secretary to the mayor for many years.
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.
In addition, Wrigley View Rooftop argues the Cubs have violated the terms of a confidentiality order issued by Coleman, who set parameters for the two sides to discuss which materials ought to be designated as confidential and sealed. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026 In the letter, Hoover said that the route and the city’s involvement must remain confidential until LA28 makes the official announcement itself, which is expected to be next year. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2026 But sharing confidential messages and letting someone else use his work account are his actions. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 The document explaining the judge’s decision contains confidential information and was ordered to remain sealed. — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confidential

Word History

Etymology

Latin confīdentia, taken as base of confidence entry 1 + -al entry 1 (perhaps after French confidentiel)

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of confidential was in 1740

Rhymes for confidential

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Browse Nearby Words

confident
confidential
confidential employee
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Cite this Entry

“Confidential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidential. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

confidential

adjective
con·​fi·​den·​tial ˌkän-fə-ˈden-chəl How to pronounce confidential (audio)
1
: secret entry 1 sense 1a, private
confidential information
2
: indicating or suggesting closeness : intimate
a confidential tone of voice
3
: trusted with secret matters
a confidential secretary
confidentially
-ˈdench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce confidential (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

confidential

adjective
con·​fi·​den·​tial ˌkän-fi-ˈden-chəl How to pronounce confidential (audio)
1
: known or conveyed only to a limited number of people
a confidential disclosure
2
: marked by or indicative of intimacy, mutual trust, or willingness to confide especially between parties one of whom is in a position of superiority
the confidential relationship of doctor and patient
3
: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to the national interest
confidentiality
ˌkän-fi-ˌden-chē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce confidential (audio)
noun
confidentially adverb
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