ego

noun

ˈē-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce ego (audio)
Definition of egonext
1
as in pride
a reasonable or justifiable sense of one's worth or importance I have enough ego that I don't give up easily when trying to win any contest or competition

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements a star athlete with a refreshing lack of ego

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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 ego Visitors would find artifacts such as the candlestand, where Washington chose humility over ego and began the peaceful transfer of power. — Lonnie G. Bunch Iii, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026 Through hard conversations, uncertainty, service and the choice to love beyond ego, founders become less dependent on external validation and more anchored in purpose. — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 In Gemini, the red planet wants answers, options and variety, but this nodal square can also expose where impatience, ego or scattered decision-making is also blocking progress. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Complex, intricate, and at all times realistic and humane, Famous Men is the pinnacle of the attempt to capture this specific and yet, all too universal, formative experience of enmeshment, devotion, and ego-death. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ego
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ego
  1. pride
  2. vanity
  3. confidence
  4. arrogance
Noun
  • The history of Kaskaskia is full of stories of resilience and stubborn pride, but also of the inevitability of nature.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Schlanger’s pride in his Jewishness forced Goldstein to reflect on her upbringing.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of pride
Noun
  • The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.
    — Adam Williams July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • While bouncing between the G League and the NBA, James worked with coaches on developing his shooting confidence, quick decision-making and defensive ability.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The emotional Moon squaring disciplined Saturn this morning tests timing and boundaries, yet Leo’s warmth helps restore confidence as the day unfolds.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of arrogance

Phrases Containing ego

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eggs (on)
ego
egocentric
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Cite this Entry

“Ego.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ego. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ego

Nglish: Translation of ego for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ego

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