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 Overcoming these difficulties notably increases satisfaction and self-esteem. — Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Lunch box notes are sure to bolster their self-esteem, sense of belonging, and your special bond with them for months and years to come. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026 All that representation went a long way toward affirming my self-esteem. — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026 In a personal essay for Teen Vogue published in 2015, Tallulah shared how public scrutiny and online shaming led her to develop issues with self-esteem and substance abuse. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Stewart, while offering advice on ownership challenges, expresses pride and excitement for Briscoe, noting their relationship will evolve from idol/driver to friendly competitors.

— Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
And in doing so, everything gradually registers — the cadence of campus life, the pride pulsing through students and alumni, the weight of the institution’s history.

— Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

In the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the same updating Gallup survey, forty-nine per cent of college graduates expressed confidence in the job market, compared to forty-four percent of respondents who had less than a college degree.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
When asked on Monday if the team has the talent to improve at center, Quinn reiterated his confidence in Washington’s trio of Allegretti, Good-Jones and Gulbin.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Prioritize Lasting Placements Over Speed In staffing, speed is a vanity metric.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Most Popular In Oona’s bathroom the tiles are from Country Floors, the vintage mirror is from Venice, Italy, and the vanity is an antique chest that was converted to a vanity with fittings by Waterworks.

— Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Paying more than $3 billion in stock for a crown jewel and then fully open-sourcing a layer in week three takes a strategic self-confidence that most acquirers never muster.

— Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Kristen does this with a voice that is authentically hers, inspiring all women to tap into their self-confidence.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

The owners’ arrival in San Diego comes as Dodgers owner Mark Walter faces a federal probe into his business empire, fueling speculation about a possible ownership change despite assurances the team won’t be sold.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
However, advocates want better assurance through local measures that these laws will be honored.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

Ampadu’s tenacity in the tackle, composure on the ball and his long throw — an emerging weapon — all contributed to the team’s strong showings.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Willis showed good composure, arm strength, accuracy and decision-making, going 4-for-5 passing for 43 yards while leading the Dolphins on a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026