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Synonyms

in confidence

Idioms  

  1. Also, in strict confidence. Privately, on condition that what is said will not be revealed. For example, The doctor told her in confidence that her mother was terminally ill, or He told us in strict confidence that Gail was pregnant. This idiom was first recorded in 1632. Also see take into one's confidence.

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.

The fall in confidence comes despite an uptick in business activity in February, according to recent PMI data.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

However, it was still positive, indicating further growth in confidence regarding labor-market conditions, the survey said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The big cliffhanger to the episode is Monika being told by Auguste that Jim told him she sold the coin when she told Jim in confidence.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Stidham grew in confidence as the first half progressed, without adding to the lead.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

He told Sullivan, in confidence, that he did not expect to remain satisfied doing just houses.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.