1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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
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Recent Examples of self-esteem
If anything, a creative idea, financial choice or self-esteem issue could trigger an awakening.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem.
—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
These can all hurt a woman’s self-concept, which shapes identity, self-image and self-esteem.
—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
Noun
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There was no plan, no standoff between gang rivals, no battle for pride and respect at 10th and K streets, Mtula Payton’s attorney told jurors Wednesday.
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Aside from hotel-quality designs, the bedding brand takes pride in their fair-trade practices and non-toxic materials, and has earned Fair Trade Certified and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) seals.
Noun
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Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
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Politics, Lander said, didn’t have to be a selfish endeavor driven by ego.
Noun
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What gives us confidence in this assertion?
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Soloviev brims with the confidence of a billionaire’s son who has managed to chart his own unusual course.
Noun
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Recognition is nice, but self-respect is everything, Scorpio.
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That question should be asked with urgency, skepticism and civic self-respect.
Noun
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Vintage Mirrors Layered on Surfaces Instead of hanging every mirror, try leaning a smaller antique mirror on a console, vanity, or shelf behind other objects.
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The bathroom had a roomy tub, large shower, double vanity and very good lighting.
Noun
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And yet his self-confidence was a kind of hubris.
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Yet his calm self-confidence and assertive humility are within reach for all of us.
Noun
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Rubio’s separate negotiations are designed to empower the beleaguered Lebanese government and provide Israel with enough assurance to withdraw.
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The brand on the report is no longer sufficient assurance.
Noun
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Biology Dictates Decision Quality In Leadership Leaders are judged on many factors, including their energy, presence, composure, appearance, and consistency.
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Road imperfections are absorbed with composure, wind noise is reasonably controlled, and the cabin feels quieter than many compact rivals.
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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