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 Improvements in these domains can lead to better self-esteem, increase in feelings of empowerment and development of a stronger sense of self. — Donnisa Edmonds, jsonline.com, 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 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem

Noun

But for all that pain, there was pride to be had on days that marked major changes in the country’s history, all launched from the Space Coast.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
For those who take pride in their pouty lips (or their ability to talk their way out of just about anything), a swipe of lipstick and nothing else is a cool way to look put together without the hustle of actually putting yourself together.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

The real advantage comes from connecting information, accountability and execution so the business can act with confidence.

— Suresh Rajapakse, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The vote was a stunning loss for the crypto industry, which had exuded confidence that enough senators would vote to advance the bill.

— Tanaya Macheel,Garrett Downs, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Some lead actors are actively involved in the development of their shows; others are admittedly given a producer credit as a vanity title.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
But this isn’t a vanity project, and the wealth gets shared in terms of screen time and idiosyncratic performances.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Warsh could gain that confidence with an apparent path to an end to the Iran war or some assurance that the president is satisfied with the current tariff regime.

— Steve Liesman, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
That converts pen testing from episodic assurance into institutional memory.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of assurance

Noun

But that drop in intensity quickly veered into carelessness, with the defence failing to assert its composure amid loose passes and hapless communication mix-ups.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
His Pharaoh maintains his composure as increasingly absurd situations unfold around him.

— Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026