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 next

as in assurance

great faith in oneself or one's abilities a lifelong confidence that enabled her to achieve great things despite powerful obstacles

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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

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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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as in secret

information shared only with another or with a select few accused him of betraying an important confidence

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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

Examples 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 Harris, who presided over Monday’s proceedings, has not challenged the election outcome or spread false conspiracy theories to undermine confidence in the results, as Trump did. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025 The country still had plenty of problems and division, but the subsequent period was not quite as chaotic and our confidence increased. —

Evan Thies, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025 Economic confidence hangs in the balance as constitutional judges weigh how to rule on Yoon’s fate over the next 180 days. —

William Pesek, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Makeup, initially applied judiciously, becomes a heavily layered shellac, an attempt to gain confidence through cosmetics. —

Jenelle Riley, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for confidence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confidence

Noun

But today, that assurance appears increasingly fragile.

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024
Somehow, at the time, Sheila felt that Andrea had the power to offer this assurance.

Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024