as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people
twins making an effort to establish their separate self-identities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-identity
The 2026 Wagner New Play Festival kicks off today at UC San Diego, with three new works by MFA plywriting candidates on topics ranging from caveman romance to self-identity to an eerie high school ritual.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Denver artist Sammy Seung-min Lee’s work has always been about her journey toward understanding self-identity — or the impossibility of that task for so many people who experience the privilege and pain of being caught between cultures.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
The law discriminates based on viewpoint, permitting expressions of acceptance and support for a client’s self-identity while forbidding expressions that attempt to change it.
—Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Need examples where fan allegiance goes beyond the transactional fandom of self-identity and tradition?
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2025
That is so traumatizing in itself, and then it’s compiled with his abusive father and being bullied at school and being excluded from his friends and struggling with his self-identity.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Over time, going along with what others tell you to do can lead to unhappiness and lack of self-identity.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
Transgender students pick which bathroom to use based on their self-identity when middle school students change their clothes for physical education class, Bourne said.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Seeking punishment for a pre-existing (probably Oedipal) feeling of shame and inadequacy, some of the incarcerated seek a reality that fits their self-identity.
—Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Denver artist Sammy Seung-min Lee’s work has always been about her journey toward understanding self-identity — or the impossibility of that task for so many people who experience the privilege and pain of being caught between cultures.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
The law discriminates based on viewpoint, permitting expressions of acceptance and support for a client’s self-identity while forbidding expressions that attempt to change it.
—Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Need examples where fan allegiance goes beyond the transactional fandom of self-identity and tradition?
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2025
That is so traumatizing in itself, and then it’s compiled with his abusive father and being bullied at school and being excluded from his friends and struggling with his self-identity.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Over time, going along with what others tell you to do can lead to unhappiness and lack of self-identity.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
Transgender students pick which bathroom to use based on their self-identity when middle school students change their clothes for physical education class, Bourne said.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Seeking punishment for a pre-existing (probably Oedipal) feeling of shame and inadequacy, some of the incarcerated seek a reality that fits their self-identity.
—Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-identity
Noun
-
And, just for good measure, his campaign confirmed the identity of Talarico’s girlfriend after Texas outlet Current Revolt published her name despite the campaign’s requests of other newsrooms to do the opposite.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
2 June 2026
-
Their identities and details of their conditions were not released.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Rather than simply borrowing inspiration from the internet, M·A·C chose to spotlight the artist behind the aesthetic, placing Esther’s artistry front and center while pairing her with one of the most talked-about young personalities in pop culture today.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
And that is something that’s a gift of his personality.—
Scott Huver,
Deadline,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-identity. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
