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

Relevance

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 Creeggan made the suggestion to keep Lyle on retainer for future gigs if need be, which, despite the vote of confidence, still gave his father pause. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 The strategies that drive consumer purchases don't automatically translate into investor confidence because the stakes are fundamentally different. — Ramesh Tambe, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 But so did the number of people quitting their jobs — a sign of confidence in their prospects. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Main message-this is a low confidence period with many potential scenarios/outcomes. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confidence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence

Noun

Of the child safety measures agreed to in Meta’s landmark legal settlement, no category contains more detailed requirements than its commitments on age assurance — and for good reason.

— Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

Caudle acknowledged the stress the Iran war has put on the US fleet and said the service would try to put more certainty into deployment times, but combat demands can make that difficult.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
There are plenty of clues on further cost of living support but no certainty yet on what will be announced.

— Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of certainty

Noun

But Blanche played down concerns that the erosion of judicial trust could impede his efforts to advance his agenda.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
When government applies the rules consistently, businesses have the confidence to invest, innovation is encouraged, public institutions earn greater trust and the public benefits.

— Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trust

Noun

Ampadu’s tenacity in the tackle, composure on the ball and his long throw — an emerging weapon — all contributed to the team’s strong showings.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Willis showed good composure, arm strength, accuracy and decision-making, going 4-for-5 passing for 43 yards while leading the Dolphins on a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of composure

Noun

Rocket Mortgage customer service ratings Rocket Mortgage has decent customer review ratings, although the actual score and customer satisfaction rating depend on the platform.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Sixty-seven percent say AI tools have increased their productivity, while 57% report higher job satisfaction since those tools were introduced.

— Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of satisfaction

Noun

Paying more than $3 billion in stock for a crown jewel and then fully open-sourcing a layer in week three takes a strategic self-confidence that most acquirers never muster.

— Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 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

Definition of self-confidence

Browse Nearby Words

confided

confidence

confidence man

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confidence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of confidence

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of confidence

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing confidence

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes