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 In my view, adopting strict time limits and restrictions could pose risks to children’s well-being, autonomy and development, for example, by harming adolescent self-esteem. — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

The pride of his city, his state, is now an NBA champion who calls future Hall of Famers his teammates.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Even though the Tower could be seen from all over London and the surrounding counties, and was a great source of national pride, the government maintained its top-secret status well into the 1990s.

— David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

In a post on X, Kono, former defense minister under the Abe administration, warned that the plan could undermine confidence in Japan's fiscal position, push interest rates higher and weaken the yen.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
The government says the new framework will improve investor confidence by making decisions more predictable while protecting climate integrity and ensuring local communities benefit from carbon market projects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 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

Before Ted arrives in England, the ladies will have been trained by Assistant Coach Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds), a lovely and devoted leader who lacks self-confidence.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

On deadline day, unsettling for many, Abrams had the look of a man who was calmed by his boss’ assurances.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Every additional interaction increases operating costs while providing little assurance of stronger products or happier customers.

— Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Morgan got out of the way and regain composure just for a moment.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026