CONFIDENCE 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Aptly named after Abdalla’s character, the Allie-Cat cut echoes Allie Hayes’s effortless confidence with shaggy layers of tousled brunette waves with golden-blonde highlights that had fans swooning for more than just hot hockey players. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026 So where does all this confidence come from that a gathering of roughly 81,000 fans, two full teams, politicians and others will be safe when cars have been burned and stores looted less than 20 miles away in central Paris? — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Her son, Dakota Curry, said his mother's venture has boosted his confidence. — Monique John, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 The Mountaineers haven’t been able to stop anybody this season, and TCU’s offense needs to make the most of this confidence-building opportunity. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confidence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence

Noun

Departments operating controls need clear responsibilities; risk and compliance functions provide oversight; independent assurance needs reliable evidence.

— Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Cortez also challenges the revenue figures and assurances about financial controls in Gildan’s 2024 and 2025 annual filings.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

The Bears have asked for certainty for property taxes plus infrastructure and utility improvements.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Igshaan Adams’s The certainty of being a rose (ii), a sculpture made of beads, thread and textile, fetched £96,000 ($127,000) despite the auctioneer reminding bidders that proceeds would benefit environmental charities.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of certainty

Noun

The harder challenge, for Silicon Valley and Washington alike, is earning, and deserving, their trust.

— Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
When Trust Fills The Gap Documentation Leaves When a plan does not answer the questions a client actually has, trust fills the space instead.

— Deric Ned, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of trust

Noun

But Mascis says there isn’t any grand secret to the band’s longevity.

— Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
Now, in yet another blow to national self-esteem, the ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has been arrested on charges of exploiting state secrets.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of secret

Noun

Zest contributes to life satisfaction among children, adolescents, and adults.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
Are there different kinds of nursing homes that could be much more effective and efficient and also provide more satisfaction for people who are growing older?

— John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfaction

Noun

Goldhirsh and Bouchon say the payphones project has restored their faith in the country at what feels like a pivotal time.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
El-Sayed, who would be the nation’s first Muslim senator if elected, has been asked frequently about his faith and attacked for it.

— Erin Cox, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of faith

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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“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of confidence

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Synonyms of confidence

noun

Synonym Chooser

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Phrases Containing confidence

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Cite this Entry

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