confidential
adjective
con·fi·den·tial
ˌkän-fə-ˈden(t)-shəl 
1
b
: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to the national interest compare secret, top secret
2
: marked by intimacy or willingness to confide
a confidential tone
3
: entrusted with confidences (see confidence sense 4)
a confidential clerk
Examples of confidential in a Sentence
These documents are completely confidential.
“I have something to tell you,” John said in a confidential tone.
Her voice was quiet and confidential.
She worked as a confidential secretary to the mayor for many years.
Recent Examples on the Web
The White House’s claims about Abrego Garcia’s gang affiliation are based mostly on one confidential tip.
—
Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS; all calls are kept confidential.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
While the message was not marked confidential, the Trump administration reportedly intended it to remain private and viewed the move as an escalation of the conflict.
—Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
This is especially critical for things like personal details, financial data, and confidential files.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for confidential
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Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS; all calls are kept confidential.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
While the message was not marked confidential, the Trump administration reportedly intended it to remain private and viewed the move as an escalation of the conflict.
—Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
This is especially critical for things like personal details, financial data, and confidential files.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for confidential
Cite this Entry
“Confidential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidential. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
confidential
adjective
con·fi·den·tial
ˌkän-fə-ˈden-chəl
1
: secret entry 1 sense 1a, private
confidential information
2
: indicating or suggesting closeness : intimate
a confidential tone of voice
3
: trusted with secret matters
a confidential secretary
Legal Definition
confidential
adjective
con·fi·den·tial
ˌkän-fi-ˈden-chəl
1
: known or conveyed only to a limited number of people
a confidential disclosure
2
: marked by or indicative of intimacy, mutual trust, or willingness to confide especially between parties one of whom is in a position of superiority
the confidential relationship of doctor and patient
3
: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to the national interest
confidentially
adverb
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