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 If your dad helped build your confidence and self-esteem, this quote from basketball player and coach Jim Valvano might be just the thing for Father's Day. — Nicole Harris, Parents, 21 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

The history of Kaskaskia is full of stories of resilience and stubborn pride, but also of the inevitability of nature.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Schlanger’s pride in his Jewishness forced Goldstein to reflect on her upbringing.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

Visitors would find artifacts such as the candlestand, where Washington chose humility over ego and began the peaceful transfer of power.

— Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
The Aussie needed to have some amount of ego to achieve that confidence, something Wright didn’t have or realize.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of ego

Noun

She's found that parents who are more open about these topics give their children more confidence and self-efficacy.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Just how charged the debate has become was clear when the Greens filed a motion of no confidence against the government on Thursday over its heatwave response.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.

— Adam Williams July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.

— Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

In the meantime, Mars in Gemini makes an alignment with Jupiter in Leo, increasing our self-confidence and piquing our curiosities.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
No one expected Joint to suddenly start serving like Williams or possess her unshakable self-confidence.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

Now In February 2026, the EU finalized its Omnibus I revisions to the CSRD, narrowing the scope and assurance requirements that many organizations had been preparing for.

— Joel Carboni, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Despite government assurances, humanitarian groups warn that the scale of assistance still falls short of the need.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026