SELF-ESTEEM Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

self-esteem

noun

ˌself-ə-ˈstēm

Definition of self-esteem

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

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of self-esteem But finding one’s nerve means fighting the everyday vagaries of low self-esteem, depression, self-deception, insecurity, loss, never-ending grief, and narcissists. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 One that is warm, open and includes appropriate limits is associated with higher self-esteem and better school performance, among other outcomes, according to the American Psychological Association. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 Girls in Motion was led by Danae Anderson and focused on using movement and arts activities to help a dozen students build confidence and self-esteem. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Your friend may show changes in their usual mood or mindset, such as sadness, depression, anxiety, self-doubt or low self-esteem. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

There’s a lot of pride in winning the conference championship.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Our community is dying; there’s an underlying sense of desperation, grief and pride that can both protect and suffocate out of a need to survive – this film is ultimately a love letter to us, with a sense of knowing.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

Known for his confidence and aggressive playing style, Sears says his father has taught him the importance of staying humble and grounded despite his success.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
But consumer demand in China has been suppressed as confidence took a hit from a prolonged property sector downturn among other factors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

On top of that, the mental load that comes with handling a health crisis like cancer can do a number on a woman’s body image and self-confidence.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2026
His campaign has targeted boosting school attendance and student self-confidence as the district’s two biggest challenges.

— Sophia Veneziano, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

Kempczinski’s assurance that the company had started to turn things around in the last month of the quarter helped revive a stock that had fallen a jarring 32% between February and October.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Everyone’s inner monologue is narrated by no less than author Zadie Smith, whose voice-over’s cool assurance forms a productive contrast with the characters’ anxious scrambling.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

The pants maintain composure, while the shoe provides the sparkle.

— Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2026
There was no need to imagine what the conversation was about because the entire team and fan base saw Gordon lose his composure, say something slick to Spillane, who had just tackled him along New England’s sidelines.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026