1
as in pride
a reasonable or justifiable sense of one's worth or importance
friends and family have tried to help the shy child develop some self-esteem
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ego
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
his towering self-esteem made praise from other people entirely unnecessary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in confidence
great faith in oneself or one's abilities
the kind of self-esteem that a struggling actor needs to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-esteem
Parents can also end up feeling isolated, underappreciated, and suffering from low self-esteem and reduced personal motivation.
—
Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
The clubs also foster social skills and teamwork through group activities, and boost self-esteem and confidence as children achieve running goals.
—Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Nostalgia stimulates positive emotional experiences, as well as improving an individual's self-esteem.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Boys with higher exposure to this kind of content have lower self-esteem and are lonelier, according to the July survey of 1,000-plus boys ages 11 to 17 living in the United States.
—Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
The clubs also foster social skills and teamwork through group activities, and boost self-esteem and confidence as children achieve running goals.
—Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Nostalgia stimulates positive emotional experiences, as well as improving an individual's self-esteem.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Boys with higher exposure to this kind of content have lower self-esteem and are lonelier, according to the July survey of 1,000-plus boys ages 11 to 17 living in the United States.
—Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
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In her interview with Us Weekly, Rimes said the lifetime achievement that gives her the most pride is surviving the pitfalls of child stardom — noting that many others have died young.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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The Blue-Reds may not have much to fight for other than pride, though that's saying a lot considering it's been five years since the team last recorded a competitive win.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Both are ruggedly handsome, gruff and not short on ego.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Oct. 2025
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The best chief executives know that there’s no place for ego in determining when to go; what matters is what’s best for the institution.—
Kurt Strovink,
Fortune,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Chiefs are back, just as quickly as they were dismissed, and that’s in more than ways than post-game one-liners exuding some confidence after a convincing 30-17 win against the red-hot Lions.—
Sam McDowell
October 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Oct. 2025
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Showing confidence the whole night that the outcome wouldn’t really be in doubt, BSU went for it seven times on fourth down, converting six of those.—
Jim Keyser,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Play Tetris in your bathroom vanity or junk drawer with these versatile containers.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
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Stainless-steel twin vanities are tucked into niches at opposite ends of the 20-foot-long space, while the water closet and double shower are obscured behind frosted glass and metal doors.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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No matter the amount of money lost, being scammed can damage mental and physical health, erode self-confidence and diminish one’s quality of life.—
Madhusree Mukerjee,
Scientific American,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The haunted bad boy has always struggled with self-confidence, despite his talent and intelligence.—
Bryan West,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Approximately 25 artists were highlighted in the book that aims to encompass the nonprofit’s core values: inspiring artistic expression, building community, promoting self-respect and developing independence.—
Cam'ron Hardy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
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My partner’s refusal to be comforted by this institutional food struck me sometimes as pointlessly obstructive and at other times as a sign of self-respect.—
Rachel Cusk,
New Yorker,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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With Iran now rejecting new negotiations without firm assurances on sanctions relief and security guarantees, both sides appear locked in a cycle of escalation that threatens to deepen the regional crisis.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
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But some neighbors dismissed the assurances.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On First Take, Ohanian took the opportunity to clap back with composure and wit.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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Just, even that last play, keeping his composure, fighting like hell to get the ball off, and threw a hell of a ball.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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