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
Researchers found that couples with higher behavioral affirmation have greater relationship satisfaction, in addition to better personal well-being, as their life satisfaction and self-esteem rise.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
So what happens immediately is your own self-esteem drops, because everybody starts looking at you, talking to you differently.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025
Broader than body image, self-esteem is a subjective emotional state derived from one's assessment of oneself.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2025
For actress and professional stunt performer Annelisa Richards, whose work includes a role in the TV series Agatha All Along, the values of body positivity, fitness, and self-esteem are deeply personal.
—Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
So what happens immediately is your own self-esteem drops, because everybody starts looking at you, talking to you differently.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025
Broader than body image, self-esteem is a subjective emotional state derived from one's assessment of oneself.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2025
For actress and professional stunt performer Annelisa Richards, whose work includes a role in the TV series Agatha All Along, the values of body positivity, fitness, and self-esteem are deeply personal.
—Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
-
In a sloppy game, the Eagles will take pride in the turnover differential — the Eagles forced one and did not turn the ball over.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
They’re all held back by different things – pride, fear, shame – but all of them, in one way or another, are eventually set free by the truth.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There are moments, of course, especially with characters like Ken (Tim Key), a middle manager with an outsized ego who routinely makes a mess of things, but tonally this is a very different show than its predecessor.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Children being raised in different homes can still have positive outcomes if both parents are willing to put their egos aside and do the self-work needed to show up as the healthy adults their kids deserve.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Beccacece has tried to channel the growing confidence.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
These numbers highlight a challenge that extends far beyond accounting, and that’s not understanding the critical link between financial confidence and entrepreneurial growth.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On the surface, vanity PR may look good.—
Jenna Guarneri,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The report suggests there could also be other operating issues with the vehicle's DC/AC inverter, glove box light, vanity lights, dome lamps, alarm portion of the horn, rear defrost, or the USB charger.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That shouldn’t be surprising, as these types of environments often harm mental health, destroy self-confidence and lower productivity.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Researchers investigated whether repeating swear words could enhance strength, mood, humor, focus and self-confidence.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Approximately 25 artists were highlighted in the book that aims to encompass the nonprofit’s core values: inspiring artistic expression, building community, promoting self-respect and developing independence.—
Cam'ron Hardy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
-
My partner’s refusal to be comforted by this institutional food struck me sometimes as pointlessly obstructive and at other times as a sign of self-respect.—
Rachel Cusk,
New Yorker,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, Harvard must also receive assurances that no further recrimination will follow and any disputes in the future about the deal will be resolved outside of the courts.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Poland, which borders Ukraine, is seeking assurance for support due to the ongoing war with Russia, according to Reuters.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the event, Brooks struggled to avoid conversations where Gleb’s name was brought up but did her best to maintain her composure.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
By the director’s standards, this is a sober and distinctly mature film, centered by the unwavering composure of Servillo’s De Santis.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share