Definition of self-identitynext
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-identity
Noun
  • At age 30, Sarris uncovered the identities of his birth parents and learned of his Native heritage.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Anything that challenges that interpretation of what ancient history is threatens their identity in terms of their gender and racial identities.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The chili brings the comfort-food feel, while the red link gives it a little more kick and personality than your regular dog.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 27 June 2026
  • The biggest of big media — from Amazon to Fox and Tubi to Netflix — are aggressively courting creators for deals as marketers scramble to tap into the heat around personalities who ply their trade on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and the like.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-identity. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster