English · Word Candidate

confidential

/ˌkɒn.fɪˈdɛn.ʃəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Kept, or meant to be kept, secret within a certain circle of persons; not intended to be known publicly.

Adjective

The newspaper claims a leaked confidential report by the government admits to problems with corrupt MPs.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Inclined to share confidences; (of things) making people inclined to share confidences; involving the sharing of confidences.

AdjectiveRegister: dated

Sitting in front of the fire, they became quite confidential, and began to gossip.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “confidential” mean?

Kept, or meant to be kept, secret within a certain circle of persons; not intended to be known publicly.

Is “confidential” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.