SELF-ESTEEM Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

self-esteem

noun

ˌself-ə-ˈstēm

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

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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

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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 These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem. —

Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 4 June 2026 Walking is exercise proven to help ward off anxiety, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s, while improving self-esteem and raising dopamine levels. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026 Walking is exercise proven to help ward off anxiety, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s, while boosting self-esteem and dopamine levels. —

Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026 That’s likely because, before losing weight, food noise, physical exhaustion, and decades of guilt, self-blame, and failed diets wore down patients’ self-esteem, Gendreau explained. —

Allison Forsyth, Health, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Though all eyes will be on North America, the national pride this event inspires – and the staggered start times that will allow fans watching back in their home countries to take in their teams during sort-of-normal hours – will stir incredible excitement and patriotism all around the world.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
From agricultural legacy, alternative modernization and pride in heritage, a lifestyle of independence and historical significance can be witnessed.

— USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026