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Definitions

confident

[kon-fi-duhnt] / ˈkɒn fɪ dənt /
ADJECTIVE
certain; sure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assured certain convinced positive sure
STRONG
secure
WEAK
expectant having faith in hopeful optimistic sanguine
Antonyms
STRONGEST
distrustful doubtful dubious uncertain unconfident unsure
WEAK
pessimistic
ADJECTIVE
self-confident
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assertive assured self-assured self-confident
STRONG
bold brave daring dauntless fearless intrepid self-assertive undaunted undoubting
WEAK
cocksure cocky forward gutsy presuming presumptuous puffed-up self-possessed self-reliant self-sufficient unafraid upbeat
Antonyms
STRONGEST
anxious apprehensive diffident hesitant insecure jittery nervous self-conscious self-doubting shy uneasy withdrawn
STRONG
reticent
WEAK
despairing desperate timid unobtrusive weak wobbly yellow

Usage

What are other ways to say confident? The adjective confident emphasizes the strength of the belief or the certainty of expectation felt. Positive implies emphatic certainty, which may even become overconfidence or dogmatism. Certain suggests that there are definite reasons that have freed one from doubt. Sure, the simplest and most general term, expresses mere absence of doubt. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We are quite confident this circuit is one of the mechanisms that contributes to the cognitive impairment that is a major part of the pathology of schizophrenia."

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Joyce Cissé, known by her artist moniker flowerovlove, is a breezy, deeply thoughtful and remarkably confident singer-songwriter from South London.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

People dine out more or buy more takeout when they are confident about the economy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

"When the processes develop to the point where a decision needs to be made, I'm confident that we, I mean the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, will make that decision, of course," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The village would be quiet without the eldest twins, but she was confident that Ivan and his brothers would fill that void in no time.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.