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 But finding one’s nerve means fighting the everyday vagaries of low self-esteem, depression, self-deception, insecurity, loss, never-ending grief, and narcissists. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Employees got into the Duke fun, too, showing a sense of pride in the character and its relationship to their home base.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Some still believe in the system or feel genuine national pride.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

Let’s set your ego at the door and figure out what’s going on with just some of the techniques that happened today.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Trump’s presidency seems rooted in a policy du jour mindset which responds first and foremost to pleasuring his insatiable ego.

— Kevin Igoe, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of ego

Noun

Unfortunately, South Korea’s situation is becoming more precarious — and thus conflict more likely — as Kim’s confidence grows and resolve weakens in Seoul and Washington.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
The Field Partner Program began as a pilot in 2025 and is scaling with the 2026 crop, helping brands support regenerative agriculture goals with confidence.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of confidence

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

Adams added a warning to companies, along with politicians from both parties, about trying to sell false assurances of economic restoration.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2026
Those assurances preceded Machado’s dramatic reappearance Sunday at a Catholic church in Lara state and a journey across northern Venezuela that drew thousands of cheering supporters to highways and city streets.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

With the smoke from the fireworks still hanging in the air, Megill gathered his composure and struck out Jonny DeLuca with a nasty breaking ball to end the game.

— Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
In eleven years of service, Masha had never heard her mistress speak with such lack of composure.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026