confidence
1 of 2noun
confidence
2 of 2adjective
Synonyms
Noun
- aplomb
- assurance
- self-assurance
- self-assuredness
- self-confidence
- self-esteem
- self-trust
Example Sentences
Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 Brissett’s struggles enabled him to be there this summer for Watson and for a struggling young player like receiver Anthony Schwartz, who dropped multiple passes in the preseason games and must regain his confidence. Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland, 7 Sep. 2022 No, my confidence in that area has been shaken for a long time. CBS News, 4 Sep. 2022 But admitted on Saturday night his recent struggles — and the Taylor home run in particular — have dealt a blow to his confidence. Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2022 While Richardson couldn’t help but stand out, his confidence was understated. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Sep. 2022 Bell has paired Dunn with Romine recently, and Dunn said Romine has helped build his confidence. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2022 Get all the facts, and give your confidence the final say. Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 Kids get a lot of their confidence and sense of self-worth from their families — thus the emphasis on parents’ not bad-mouthing each other. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Noun
Middle English confydence, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French confidence, borrowed from Latin confīdentia, from confīdent-, confīdens "trusting in oneself, confident" + -ia -ia entry 1
Adjective
from attributive use of confidence entry 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
1849, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing confidence
Kids Definition
confidence
noun
confidence
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- assurance
- composure
- self-confidence
- self-assurance
- pride
- pridefulness
- self-assuredness
- self-trust
- aplomb
- complacency
- overconfidence
- vanity
- cockiness
- smugness
- hubris
- ego
- calmness
- superiority
- self-esteem
- conceitedness
- equanimity
- complacence
- egoism
- coolness
- egotism
- pomposity
- vainglory
- pompousness
- vaingloriousness
- self-satisfaction
- self-complacency
- self-opinion
- self-admiration
- haughtiness
- imperiousness
- self-contentment
- conceit
- self-content
- self-assumption
- assumption
- bumptiousness
- loftiness
- self-conceit
- superciliousness
- self-consequence
- peremptoriness
- hauteur
- self-applause
- self-glorification
- lordliness
- self-importance
- toploftiness
- self-possession
- self-partiality
- presumptuousness
- huffiness
- self-poise
- pretentiousness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- diffidence
- insecurity
- apprehension
- doubt
- self-distrust
- self-doubt
- misgiving
Synonyms & Similar Words
- assurance
- certainty
- satisfaction
- conviction
- assuredness
- positiveness
- certitude
- sureness
- surety
- cocksureness
- determination
- doubtlessness
- decisiveness
- firmness
- face
- resolve
- dogmatism
- authoritarianism
- resolution
- purposefulness
- resoluteness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- uncertainty
- doubt
- hesitation
- hesitancy
- concern
- anxiety
- indecisiveness
- nonconfidence
- irresolution
- disbelief
- incredulity
- distrust
- incertitude
- mistrust
- suspicion
- unbelief
- misgiving
Synonyms & Similar Words
- trust
- faith
- certainty
- assurance
- credence
- conviction
- assuredness
- positiveness
- acceptance
- certitude
- hope
- sureness
- stock
- surety
- reliance
- credit
- dependence
- dependance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- distrust
- mistrust
- uncertainty
- doubt
- skepticism
- disbelief
- incredulity
- suspicion
- unbelief
- misgiving
- incertitude
- disillusionment
- disillusion
- dubiety
- nonconfidence
- disenchantment
- dubiousness
- misdoubt
- distrustfulness
- mistrustfulness
- uncertainness
Synonyms & Similar Words
- secret
- lowdown
- dope
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open secret
Synonym Chooser
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.
While in some cases nearly identical to confidence, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.
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.
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.