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
Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
During her time, she’s gained confidence in cooking savory dishes, but also taking on business administration.
—Alisha Miranda, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2025
That’s why optimism needs to be redefined, not as hope for better headlines, but as confidence in our capacity to adapt, prepare, and lead through complexity.
—Frank Sorrentino, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The University Academic Senate narrowly voted no confidence in Marquette leaders, including Ah Yun, a few days after he was named president.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for confidence
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Noun
More than 500 faculty members signed a letter of no confidence in President Jay Hartzell, then UT's leader, for his response to the protesters as well as his April 2 termination of former diversity, equity and inclusion employees.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
During her time, she’s gained confidence in cooking savory dishes, but also taking on business administration.
—Alisha Miranda, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2025
That’s why optimism needs to be redefined, not as hope for better headlines, but as confidence in our capacity to adapt, prepare, and lead through complexity.
—Frank Sorrentino, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The University Academic Senate narrowly voted no confidence in Marquette leaders, including Ah Yun, a few days after he was named president.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 30 July 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 6 Aug. 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
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