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
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Recent Examples of self-esteem
These injuries not only affected my physical health but also my emotional well-being and self-esteem.
—
Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
His superiority complex results in every seeming slight getting added to his list of offenses, while his lack of self-esteem (which of course often comes with a superiority complex) ensures that the decency of others further fuels his rage.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
In Taurus, this Chiron transit will touch upon themes that have to do with your finances, self-esteem, values and sense of security.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Sloan sees vision boarding as a way to support your child’s self-esteem as a proud Black person in the face of everything.
—Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
His superiority complex results in every seeming slight getting added to his list of offenses, while his lack of self-esteem (which of course often comes with a superiority complex) ensures that the decency of others further fuels his rage.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
In Taurus, this Chiron transit will touch upon themes that have to do with your finances, self-esteem, values and sense of security.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Sloan sees vision boarding as a way to support your child’s self-esteem as a proud Black person in the face of everything.
—Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
-
But since his 2016 debut, Bad Bunny has emerged as the leader of a new cohort of barrier-breaking artists, among them Karol G, J Balvin, Anitta and Peso Pluma, who are globalizing the genre and redefining crossover appeal with their fierce cultural pride.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
-
No reward, other than the pride of having survived.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That set the stage for an epic clash of strategic visions and executive egos that culminated in the Disney board ousting Chapek in November 2022 and Iger reclaiming the CEO role.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
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The good news for voters otherwise predisposed to Abughazaleh is that there’s a youthful progressive candidate in the race with similar views but who comes with a record of service and without the ego.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Hardware enthusiasm While there are doubts about the software industry, Wall Street has resounding confidence that hardware companies are AI winners.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Uncertainty is the absence of confidence and, right now, a lack of confidence is overriding the reality that many of these companies are going to be just fine.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Clear bins on a bathroom vanity are ideal for daily-use items, which Wells suggests storing in the front, and extra or backup toiletries in the back.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The old icebox turned vanity is a gift from a friend.—
Wendy Goodman,
Curbed,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The secret to mental toughness is self-confidence.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
-
What could be tested during this time are your ability to see reality over wishful thinking, self-confidence despite setbacks, feeling lovable even if someone doesn’t come through, showing up even if someone else doesn’t.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This means by which unification takes place, by which forgiveness is possible, by which mercy arrives, by which self-respect is regained is via the transference of humiliation to a plastic black form.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Under the mentorship of Mr. Miyagi, Daniel learns that self-defense is about balance, self-respect, and emotional control.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There is also a federal class-action lawsuit filed by former members that accuses Gateway and Robert Morris of failing to honor promises to give 15% of donations to global missions and misleading congregants with assurances of refunds.—
Giles Hudson,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
One of Lamont’s unacknowledged strengths is his public composure and innate courtesy in an era when escalating vulgarity in politics shows an ugly American face to us and the world.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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The ride strikes a fine balance between composure and comfort.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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