modesty
noun
mod·es·ty
ˈmä-də-stē 
1
: the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
She accepted the award with modesty.
2
: propriety in dress, speech, or conduct
The young man was known for his modesty.
Examples of modesty in a Sentence
She accepted the award with modesty.
He is known for his modesty, an uncommon characteristic for a politician.
There was no false modesty in her victory speech.
the modesty of her clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Many religions condemn vanity and praise modesty, which can inform attitudes toward cosmetic work.
—
ABC News, 6 May 2026
Just a reminder that greatness and modesty can go hand in hand.
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Democratic politics thrive when leaders and followers act with modesty and humility, when no one sees themselves as infallible or indispensable.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
His athletic testing, however, lacked modesty.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modesty
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ABC News, 6 May 2026
Just a reminder that greatness and modesty can go hand in hand.
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Democratic politics thrive when leaders and followers act with modesty and humility, when no one sees themselves as infallible or indispensable.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
His athletic testing, however, lacked modesty.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modesty
Cite this Entry
“Modesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modesty. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modesty
noun
mod·es·ty
ˈmäd-ə-stē
: the quality of being modest
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