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
Relevance
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
If anything, a creative idea, financial choice or self-esteem issue could trigger an awakening.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem.
—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem.
—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
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There was no plan, no standoff between gang rivals, no battle for pride and respect at 10th and K streets, Mtula Payton’s attorney told jurors Wednesday.
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Aside from hotel-quality designs, the bedding brand takes pride in their fair-trade practices and non-toxic materials, and has earned Fair Trade Certified and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) seals.
Noun
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Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
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Politics, Lander said, didn’t have to be a selfish endeavor driven by ego.
Noun
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While bouncing between the G League and the NBA, James worked with coaches on developing his shooting confidence, quick decision-making and defensive ability.
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The emotional Moon squaring disciplined Saturn this morning tests timing and boundaries, yet Leo’s warmth helps restore confidence as the day unfolds.
Noun
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Choosing a real destination that honors market realities is an act of self-respect.
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Recognition is nice, but self-respect is everything, Scorpio.
Noun
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The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.
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The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.
Noun
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In foreign policy, too, the democracies need to regain self-confidence—and back democratic allies against forces that threaten our systems and values.
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The museum’s mission is to foster curiosity, self-confidence, and a love of learning in children through enriching, hands-on exhibits and programs.
Noun
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This potential confidence-as-assurance issue has increased as digital assets become more integrated with payments, trading, tax reporting, and anti-money-laundering programs.
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The new powers would also include information from third parties, such as age assurance technology providers, to test claims made by the platforms about how those under 16 continued to circumvent the ban, the statement said.
Noun
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Control and composure are at the core of this leadership philosophy.
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In a 1-1 game in the 10th, Brewers reliever Joel Kuhnel lost his composure after issuing an intentional walk to Crow-Armstrong to face Alex Bregman with runners on the corners and two outs.
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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