SELF Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

self 1 of 2

noun

ˈself

Definition of self

as in nature

the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others some believe that it's only in times of great stress that a person's true self is revealed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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self

2 of 2

adjective

as in solid

having or consisting of a single color a self-red rose of a shade that hasn't been seen before

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

Noun

If O’Gieblyn’s self-diagnosis is right, the collapse of will that led to her loss of faith is awkwardly close to a collapse of will that might lead to her return to faith. — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 She is soon proved wrong when the suspect (an alien) self-detonates. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Adjective

An inspector’s notes also stated there were cardboard containers on the floor, a non-self closing restroom door, no training documentation for the staff. — Pam McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2023 The women's brains showed a clear divide between the areas of the brain activated by self and non-self MHCs. — Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2013 See All Example Sentences for self

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self

Noun

In North Georgia’s mountains, autumn already is transforming ridges, forests and streambanks into dazzling palettes of reds, yellows, maroons and deep oranges — all part of nature’s annual leaf color spectacle.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026
As nature trades its summer greens for a rich tapestry of amber, rust, burgundy, and gold, our wardrobes are following suit—and with all manner of vibrant, textured, statement-making accessories piled on top.

— Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of nature

Adjective

Kansas City is investigating how one of its solid waste trucks struck a bicyclist over the weekend, leaving the rider with life-threatening injuries.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
The Packers themselves have been solid as a team offensively, but notably rank dead last in the league in rushing yards.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of solid

Noun

This hyper-femme approach to design is both charming and eclectic—perfect for the marrier who wants to showcase all sides of their style and personality on their special day.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
The president and vice president will appear in the Oval Office with conservative YouTube personality Nick Shirley, whose video series from Minnesota late last year led to fraud investigations of day care centers there that receive federal money.

— Natalie Allison, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of personality

Noun

The video plays hopscotch with tone—at once horrific, ridiculous, and bathetically earnest.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Writing strips out the reactive tone that damages trust and forces people to engage with the actual argument instead of the way it was said.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of tone

Noun

Even a slight misalignment could leave visible defects where colors meet, while four hotends introduce more components that could potentially fail.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Choose from trios in subtle coordinated colors all packed into a zip pouch for easy transport.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of colors

Noun

Earlier versions looked unnaturally green, while the team also considered how the character’s skin would react to different lighting.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Coleman said each design has its own distinct character and can be styled individually, either as a subtle everyday detail or a sculptural statement.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of character

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self

noun

adjective

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Synonyms of self

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to self

A Most Incredible 'Self-Own'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on self

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes