self-esteem

noun

ˌself-ə-ˈstēm How to pronounce self-esteem (audio)
Definition of self-esteemnext
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

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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

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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

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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 And research has long shown that having high rejection sensitivity can mean developing low self-esteem; avoiding closeness in relationships, especially romantic ones; and is linked to a higher risk of other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. — Jillian Anthony, Vox, 5 Mar. 2025 Misalignment burnout can also erode self-esteem and impact mental health. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Fred Rogers, better known as Mr. Rogers, died at age 39 in February 2003 Comments Fred Rogers is stil remembered for his dedication to instilling kindness, compassion and self-esteem in kids 22 years after his death. — Makena Gera, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025 Over time, these discussions empower kids to handle setbacks on their own, building self-esteem and a sense of competence. — Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, Contributor, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-esteem
  1. pride
  2. ego
  3. confidence
  4. vanity
  5. self-confidence
  6. self-respect
  7. assurance
  8. composure
Noun
  • Another local chef who gets to revel in both culinary and local pride is Chef Edney Gaitor, of Café Martinique.
    — Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, the beach culture becomes an everyday celebration of liberation, unity, and cultural pride.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of pride
Noun
  • Managing egos is unavoidable, but having to manage someone’s ego right from the start is not a positive indicator of things to come.
    — Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • But how did egos not get in the way, especially after the seasons Prince and Conner had in 2023?
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of ego
Noun
  • Despite my setbacks, personal development via baseball unleashed my Inner Underdog to earn respect, gain confidence, and become a leader.
    — Quang X. Pham, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But in its latest earnings report in February, Paramount management expressed confidence in its film strategy.
    — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • Tiny Solar Homes The bathroom is nearby and contains a shower, vanity sink, and a flushing toilet.
    — Adam Williams, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The resurgence of popular beauty looks of decades past comes at no surprise to those who grew up watching their mothers and grandmothers do their hair or paint their nails at their bathroom vanity.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • Ciara says this makes self-confidence even more essential.
    — Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The solar eclipse in Aries, however, emphasizes your financial stability and self-confidence.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of self-confidence
Noun
  • These team members proudly held on to their self-respect & dignity!
    — Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And what happened to good old-fashioned self-respect?
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of self-respect
Noun
  • Kelley is majoring in information security and assurance.
    — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
  • As someone who not infrequently drinks her coffee in bed, this assurance is a selling point.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of assurance
Noun
  • Most people avoid conflict, but those who can navigate tricky situations with composure and professionalism quickly stand out.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In scene after scene, Shula doesn’t say much, but there is, in practically every frame, an unmistakable anxiety in her composure, as if her mere appearance of calm required a major exertion of will.
    — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of composure

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Cite this Entry

“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-esteem. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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