self-image

noun

self-im·​age ˈself-ˈi-mij How to pronounce self-image (audio)
Synonyms of self-imagenext
: one's conception of oneself or of one's role

Examples of self-image in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Updating one’s self-image requires conscious effort; left unattended, the mind defaults to its familiar version. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 YouTube comedian Bo Burnham directs this empathetic portrait of Kayla (Elsie Fisher), an insecure adolescent who posts motivational vlogs on YouTube while privately struggling with her self-image and burgeoning sexuality. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 The gratuitous act obliterates both his self-image and his indecision, sparking not just a split with Irène but a total rupture with the social fabric of his present life. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 But if nationalism is a hunger for prestige and preeminence, America’s self-image as the City on a Hill is nationalism in embryo. — Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-image

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-image was in 1939

Rhymes for self-image

See All Rhymes for self-image

Browse Nearby Words

self-ignition
self-image
self-immolation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-image.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-image. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

self-image

noun
self-im·​age
ˈsel-ˈfim-ij
: one's ideas about oneself or one's role

Medical Definition

self-image

noun
self-im·​age -ˈim-ij How to pronounce self-image (audio)
: one's conception of oneself or of one's role

More from Merriam-Webster on self-image

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-image

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

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

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

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

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All