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.
Eisenhower possessed iron discipline, sunny self-confidence and a mind that loved organizational challenges. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Over time, however, the construct of critical thinking has expanded to encompass personal development, emotional reflection, and dispositional traits such as inquisitiveness, self-confidence, and maturity. — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 That glib self-confidence is present in McNamara, who licks the doughnut glaze off his fingers before offering his hand to the female detective questioning the one living Jason. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Kristen does this with a voice that is authentically hers, inspiring all women to tap into their self-confidence. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-confidence. Accessed 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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