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
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
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
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That's what Armen and Jaime Azizyan, the co-owners of the floral studio, Flybunker, take a lot of pride in being able to do.—
Max Darrow,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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Mobutu spoke of great achievements, the pride at being the first Black African team at a World Cup, even how good the Zaire yellow shirts (which Mobutu apparently had a hand in designing) looked against their skin.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
For Fergie, joining the military didn’t just appeal to his ego and ambition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
-
In the finale, with Ben’s The Spider alter-ego on the verge of being exposed, Robbie steps in by donning the Spider suit on his behalf — allowing Morris, who grew up a massive Spider-Man fan, to fulfill a kind of childhood dream.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Noun
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Despite the disagreement, Rigler said the ruling gives Cascadia supporters renewed confidence as legal challenges continue.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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Despite Argentina’s status as one of the tournament favorites, confidence remained high among many Algeria supporters.—
J.M. Banks
June 15,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Take the compliment, but clarify terms and negotiate from a place of self-respect.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
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That question should be asked with urgency, skepticism and civic self-respect.—
Christos Korgan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Quintrell is also a fan of color drenching—specifically, the trim and vanity.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
-
Bathrooms are large, with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and double vanities, standard even in entry-level room categories.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Noun
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If Tovar’s belief in Beals remained consistent, Beals’ self-confidence increased this season.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
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Children who see positive behaviors from their parents can develop self-confidence and higher self esteem.—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Whether those assurances will ease concerns among some fans remains to be seen as South Florida prepares to welcome thousands of international visitors for the tournament.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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Tehran has long maintained that any broader cease-fire arrangement would need to include assurances regarding Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 June 2026
Noun
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When hopelessly romantic Penny awkwardly meets dazzling musician Bianca at a supermarket, sparks fly — and so does Penny’s composure.—
Sarah Kate Ellis,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
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Blashill kept his composure through such stretches.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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