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 One that is warm, open and includes appropriate limits is associated with higher self-esteem and better school performance, among other outcomes, according to the American Psychological Association. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 Girls in Motion was led by Danae Anderson and focused on using movement and arts activities to help a dozen students build confidence and self-esteem. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Kendall and Kylie are so much younger that Kim has almost maternal pride in them.

— Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Mining heritage and guochao National pride in China, expressed through the guochao movement, continues to boom in fashion, with local designers finding new ways to translate their own culture in their designs.

— Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 22 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