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 As for Barroso, the mom-of-four aims to raise her children with self-esteem and compassion. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 17 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

Plus, the constant convoys of soldiers driving in and out of the base just down the street gave them a sense of security and pride.

— Austin Fast, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Though it was legally banned and deemed indecent in the 19th century, Tahitian dance has grown to become an internationally renowned source of cultural pride.

— Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

Definition of pride

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

The single-sink bathroom vanity had just enough room for two, but the massive walk-in shower featured a soaking tub.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
The desk-sized vanity mirror features a sturdy silicone base with Mira, Rumi and Zoey’s faces on the bottom, alongside a tray for your hair accessories.

— Tim Chan, Footwear News, 28 July 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

On July 27, as the sun in Leo makes an opposition to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, your self-confidence could be met with resistance, or maybe a personal desire clashes with social expectations.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
But behind the scenes, Asibuo adheres to a strict five-phase system that also teaches emotional intelligence and conversational skills while aiming to build self-confidence.

— Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 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