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 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 According to the American Psychological Association, self-affirmations, even in small doses, can have lasting effects on our self-esteem. — Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 Regular aerobic exercise can lower tension while improving sleep, mood, and self-esteem. — Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2026 The emotional effects were immediate—hurt, confusion, lowered self-esteem. — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Some will say past results don’t matter, but many of TCU’s veterans are used to beating Baylor and take pride it in.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Behind the reputation that surrounded them, there was humor, loyalty, and pride.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

Both teams now limp into Saturday's game in Austin with bruised bodies and egos, and carrying a whiff of desperation for a win to keep the season from unraveling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Did that feel like a parody of my ego, or also a way to make fun of it?

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ego

Noun

There’s a huge confidence chasm between those who approve of the country’s leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those who don’t — just 37% of the latter have faith in the vote.

— Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Alternatively, depression may involve placing too much confidence in outdated forecasts.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

My accommodations unfolded in a graceful series of rooms with couches, a four-poster bed, and a dual-vanity bathroom.

— Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Franchise values have compounded at 13% a year for more than six decades as team ownership evolved from a vanity project into an asset class.

— Robert Gray, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

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
Christina Applegate is back home and prioritizing self-confidence in the latest update on her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

Departments operating controls need clear responsibilities; risk and compliance functions provide oversight; independent assurance needs reliable evidence.

— Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Cortez also challenges the revenue figures and assurances about financial controls in Gildan’s 2024 and 2025 annual filings.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026