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
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
If anything, a creative idea, financial choice or self-esteem issue could trigger an awakening.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem.
—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem.
—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
-
There was no plan, no standoff between gang rivals, no battle for pride and respect at 10th and K streets, Mtula Payton’s attorney told jurors Wednesday.
-
Aside from hotel-quality designs, the bedding brand takes pride in their fair-trade practices and non-toxic materials, and has earned Fair Trade Certified and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) seals.
Noun
-
Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
-
Politics, Lander said, didn’t have to be a selfish endeavor driven by ego.
Noun
-
While bouncing between the G League and the NBA, James worked with coaches on developing his shooting confidence, quick decision-making and defensive ability.
-
The emotional Moon squaring disciplined Saturn this morning tests timing and boundaries, yet Leo’s warmth helps restore confidence as the day unfolds.
Noun
-
Choosing a real destination that honors market realities is an act of self-respect.
-
Recognition is nice, but self-respect is everything, Scorpio.
Noun
-
Let go of the vanity metrics, and put your time where the value is.
-
Elsewhere, Prada made a case for vanity pouches swinging from belts; keychains were back at Tod’s; and at Giorgio Armani, models sported the letters G and A pinned to their blazers in homage to the late designer, who died last September.
Noun
-
And yet his self-confidence was a kind of hubris.
-
Yet his calm self-confidence and assertive humility are within reach for all of us.
Noun
-
This potential confidence-as-assurance issue has increased as digital assets become more integrated with payments, trading, tax reporting, and anti-money-laundering programs.
-
The new powers would also include information from third parties, such as age assurance technology providers, to test claims made by the platforms about how those under 16 continued to circumvent the ban, the statement said.
Noun
-
Biology Dictates Decision Quality In Leadership Leaders are judged on many factors, including their energy, presence, composure, appearance, and consistency.
-
Road imperfections are absorbed with composure, wind noise is reasonably controlled, and the cabin feels quieter than many compact rivals.
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
