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 maturing onscreen — and the endless scrutiny that came with it — led to lifelong self-esteem issues, especially after she was cast as the superhero cheerleader Claire Bennett on Heroes at 17 in 2006. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 But her comments and obvious disdain for me are not good for my self-esteem. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026 However, parents, social workers and shrinks got involved, saying that designating the classes hurt the students’ feelings and self-esteem. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 Overcoming these difficulties notably increases satisfaction and self-esteem. — Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Harris credited his defensive line and said the team takes pride in being a hard team to run against.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
In short, Parton may not have claimed to be a feminist, but her feminist fans claimed her just the same — with pride and affection.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

The fact that both quarterbacks checked their ego at the door has impressed North Stars coach Rob Pomazak.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Sometimes, even when the prosecutor involved almost certainly knows something other than justice is in the works, there is a momentum of ego and bureaucracy that is hard to reverse.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ego

Noun

In the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the same updating Gallup survey, forty-nine per cent of college graduates expressed confidence in the job market, compared to forty-four percent of respondents who had less than a college degree.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
When asked on Monday if the team has the talent to improve at center, Quinn reiterated his confidence in Washington’s trio of Allegretti, Good-Jones and Gulbin.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

The bathroom brings that rich blue into focus with its gilded vanity and various textures.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Nine-foot stainless-steel screens, originally designed to keep fish from swimming into dams, were reshaped into curved, airfoil-like vanity doors.

— David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Paying more than $3 billion in stock for a crown jewel and then fully open-sourcing a layer in week three takes a strategic self-confidence that most acquirers never muster.

— Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Kristen does this with a voice that is authentically hers, inspiring all women to tap into their self-confidence.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

The owners’ arrival in San Diego comes as Dodgers owner Mark Walter faces a federal probe into his business empire, fueling speculation about a possible ownership change despite assurances the team won’t be sold.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
However, advocates want better assurance through local measures that these laws will be honored.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

Ampadu’s tenacity in the tackle, composure on the ball and his long throw — an emerging weapon — all contributed to the team’s strong showings.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Willis showed good composure, arm strength, accuracy and decision-making, going 4-for-5 passing for 43 yards while leading the Dolphins on a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026