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 Those new realities are tough to accept, and definitely affect mood and self-esteem. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 14 July 2026 Research from the University of Delaware’s Department of Women and Gender Studies found that body image concerns resulting from social pressures are linked to lower self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating in young women. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Psychiatric nurse Titus Enko agreed, saying that personal grooming enhances patients’ self-esteem and contributes to their overall recovery and well-being. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 Students who didn’t fall in love showed the opposite trend a shrinking list of attributes, suggesting a loss of self-esteem. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Americans felt a sense of national pride from the throngs of international tourists who fell in love with Walmart and ranch dressing.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
In the beginning, the Genesis Convention Center reigned over downtown Gary as a symbol of ambition and pride.

— Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

LeBron James already has played alongside and won alongside the egos of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Anthony Davis.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026
To highly competitive people, the individuals with massive egos and resumes that don’t fit on one page, legacy is the word that moves the needle.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of ego

Noun

Once at the top of the mile-long climb, only one nit had come off the battery, and the Vienna flew down the backside of the hill at over 30 mph with confidence.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
More broadly, Iran’s attacks have also punctured confidence and security in the Gulf, disrupting tourism and air travel in a key global transport node, and prompting some expats to flee.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Several bestsellers came from the brand’s vintage check range, which includes classic designs — a vanity case, tote bags, the Note bag, and new additions, such as the Cotswolds bag.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Bathrooms are impressively spacious—they're large enough to fit a double vanity and a glass rain shower.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Despite initial concerns about adding aesthetic treatments to the programs, the clinic now features a dedicated area with modern equipment for skin firming and revitalization, boosting self-confidence.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
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

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

The public seeks assurances that AI's economic benefits will be broadly shared.

— Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
And though at least some Heat interest in DeRozan would be expected if James bypasses the Heat, Miami as of Monday had made no assurances to DeRozan and hasn’t told him if he will be pursued if James doesn’t join Miami, according to a source.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

At the level of style, there was nothing obviously flamboyant about Allen’s music, nor her presence on stage, the quiet, acerbic composure of her delivery.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
England had lost their structure, lost their composure, and had lost the ball to a calmer, cleverer opposition.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 July 2026