con·fi·dence
ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 
-ˌden(t)s
1
a
: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances
had perfect confidence in her ability to succeed
met the risk with brash confidence
b
: faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
have confidence in a leader
2
: the quality or state of being certain : certitude
they had every confidence of success
3
a
: a relation of trust or intimacy
took his friend into his confidence
b
: reliance on another's discretion
Their story was told in strictest confidence.
c
: support especially in a legislative body
vote of confidence
4
: a communication made in confidence : secret
accused him of betraying a confidence
: of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises
a confidence game
a confidence man
Examples of confidence in a Sentence
Noun
The class gave me more confidence.
He lacked the confidence to succeed.
The experience gave her the confidence to start her own business.
Good grades boosted her confidence.
It takes time to build confidence when you are learning a new skill.
They have an air of confidence about them.
She has done little to gain their confidence.
School officials express confidence that the problem will soon be resolved.
Recent Examples on the Web
Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 8 Mar. 2025
Keep doing it Knowing oneself, projecting confidence, building community and working together is essential.
—John Baldoni, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
In recent years, China’s stringent pandemic lockdowns, the collapse of the housing market, and regulatory crackdowns have undermined consumer spending and business confidence.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2025
Lively and Kendrick return to their roles with the confidence and curiosity of veterans.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for confidence
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.
Noun
Idaho officials have expressed confidence in state elections before, the Statesman previously reported.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 8 Mar. 2025
Keep doing it Knowing oneself, projecting confidence, building community and working together is essential.
—John Baldoni, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
In recent years, China’s stringent pandemic lockdowns, the collapse of the housing market, and regulatory crackdowns have undermined consumer spending and business confidence.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2025
Lively and Kendrick return to their roles with the confidence and curiosity of veterans.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for confidence
Cite this Entry
“Confidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidence. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
confidence
1 of 2 noun
con·fi·dence
ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s
-fə-ˌden(t)s
confidence
2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or skilled at swindling by false promises
a confidence game
a confidence man
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share