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
Julia Sanchez, a recreation supervisor with the Park District, said the initial self-esteem offering was done with teens.
—
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
In our study, narcissistic children also felt more comfortable leading peers with low self-esteem.
—Eddie Brummelman, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
For many, the toll on mental health and self-esteem persisted for decades.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
Both elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance can lead to acne, excess facial and body hair, weight gain and difficulty losing weight - and, consequently, low self-esteem and negative body image, both of which are significant predictors for mental health issues.
—Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
In our study, narcissistic children also felt more comfortable leading peers with low self-esteem.
—Eddie Brummelman, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
For many, the toll on mental health and self-esteem persisted for decades.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
Both elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance can lead to acne, excess facial and body hair, weight gain and difficulty losing weight - and, consequently, low self-esteem and negative body image, both of which are significant predictors for mental health issues.
—Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
-
Given the strong gastronomy heritage of Spain and pride in local ingredients, almost every restaurant offers local wines, as well as bars and other retail locations.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Young takes particular pride in VJMU’s identity as a Black- and Latino-owned car club, competing as a team in a sport that’s traditionally been dominated by affluent, white participants.—
Pamela Chelin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The leaders who earn trust today are those who anchor their work not in ego or optics, but in meaning—and who cultivate cultures that transform purpose into aligned, high-velocity execution.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Just like on Succession, the fragile egos, myopic intelligence, and delusional self-righteousness of these uber-wealthy nuts go haywire pretty quickly.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For months, Beijing has been projecting an air of strength and confidence in its ability to withstand an escalating trade war with the US.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Correlation isn’t causation, but continuity and confidence just might be contagious.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Why Digital Products Are Changing the Game Entrepreneurial creators are shifting the narrative away from vanity metrics and toward meaningful income.—
Kristen Bousquet,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Other highlights include the nine-foot-plus height for the tray ceiling, a walk-in closet with a skylight, and a primary bath that includes a soaking tub, separate large shower, dual sink vanity, and a private room for the commode.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Kajabi’s data shows that entrepreneurial creators make 25% more than their social-first counterparts and are 20% more likely to report higher self-confidence and self-esteem.—
Kristen Bousquet,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Bradford thought Trump would respect his self-confidence; Trump instead was just mind-blown by a man putting his job on the line for no reason.—
Laura Bassett,
Rolling Stone,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Still, one hopes that other universities that find themselves in the administration’s crosshairs — and there are many of them now — follow Harvard’s example and make self-respect, and respect for the law, unsurprising again.—
M. Gessen,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2025
-
In a world wired for hustle, that choice becomes a radical act of self-respect.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The gap between vague assurances and complex data fuels frustration among those waiting.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
That means aid workers have no assurance the military won’t strike them.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Smith fills a vital role as a defensive-minded midfielder who is adept at winning balls in the air and never losing her composure.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
But iron play, putting, mental fortitude, desire, composure, moxie?—
Jordan Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share