modest

adjective

mod·est | \ ˈmä-dəst

Definition of modest

1a : placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth

b : neither bold nor self-assertive : tending toward diffidence

2 : arising from or characteristic of a modest nature

3 : observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : decent

4a : limited in size, amount, or scope a family of modest means

b : unpretentious a modest home

Other Words from modest Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Modest: Ever So Humble More Example Sentences Learn More about modest

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Choose the Right Synonym for modest

shy, bashful, diffident, modest, coy mean not inclined to be forward. shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. shy with strangers bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence. a bashful boy out on his first date diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking. felt diffident about raising an objection modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit. modest about her success coy implies a pretended shyness. put off by her coy manner

chaste, pure, modest, decent mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious. chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows. they maintained chaste relations pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. the pure of heart modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity. preferred more modest swimsuits decent people didn't go to such movies

Modest: Ever So Humble

When used to modify a sum or amount, or to mean "unpretentious," modest conveys a sense of not being excessive:

Captives received a modest salary of $0.80 per day, working at farms around Sonoma County picking apples, prunes, hops and other crops.
Janet Balicki, The Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press Democrat, 8 Dec. 2016

The minister of foreign affairs drove up in a modest car and joined our conversation.
Michael Taussig, Vice, 22 June 2016

The adjective humble is often used this way too, as when one speaks of "one's humble abode." Both words can be used in a humorous way that might be seen as self-deprecating.

Like humble, modest adequately describe one who does not boast about one's achievements, thereby avoiding a different kind of excessiveness:

Louisa May Alcott was always modest about her gifts; whatever early dreams of genius she might have nourished had been knocked out of her years before her literary fame arrived.
Barbara L. Packer, The New York Times Book Review, 25 Oct. 1987

Soft-spoken and modest in conversation, Knoll would be accomplished enough with his visual-effects credits in movies alone.
Julie Hinds, The Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2016

Examples of modest in a Sentence

The foundry work was grueling, but for a little longer Brierfield afforded these African Americans a way station of modest freedom and a residue of authentic independence that was fast disappearing for most rural blacks. — Douglas A. Blackmon, Slavery By Another Name, 2008 … these remnants he lacked the will to discard, depressed him, deepening the low fever of depression in which even as modest a task as removing a blue doorknob loomed like a mountain almost impossible to climb. — John Updike, Harper's, October 2004 You're the hero, so then you have to behave in a certain way—there is a prescription for it. You have to be modest, you have to be forbearing, you have to be deferential, you have to be understanding. — Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997 They own a modest home near the beach. She enjoyed modest success with her singing career. He earns a modest income. We live on a modest budget. New cars are now available at relatively modest prices. He has only a modest amount of knowledge on the subject. It is a book of only modest importance. She's very modest about her achievements. Don't be so modest. Your performance was wonderful! “I'm not a hero. I was just doing my job,” he said in his characteristically modest way.

Recent Examples on the Web

Known to be calm, dignified and modest in his demeanor and respected by all, Col. — Alice Adams, Houston Chronicle, "Moody Mansion a standing witness of Galveston’s history," 14 June 2019 In many instances, this would only require a plan for the number of days of use and a modest taper. — Travis Rieder, WSJ, "The Perilous Blessing of Opioids," 14 June 2019 That impulse triggers this modest proposal: Guns for All! — Deroy Murdock, National Review, "If Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Is a Right, Let’s Have Guns for All," 14 June 2019 Heading into next weekend's race at Road America, A.J. Foyt Racing's cars are a modest Zach Veach drive away from ranking dead last and next to last in the championship. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Frustration mounting at Foyt; team prepares to make changes," 12 June 2019 Thus, a modest proposal that is imperfect but may be the only practical way forward: Democrats should publicly time-limit their forbearance. — E.j. Dionne Jr., The Mercury News, "Dionne: Give Trump an ultimatum: Respond or be impeached," 10 June 2019 Skinner, who had a relatively modest $5.75 million cap hit the past six seasons, will command a long-term salary of $8 million or more, and the Avs are in the position to pay. — Mike Chambers, The Denver Post, "Why the Colorado Avalanche and Jeff Skinner are a great fit in free agency," 3 June 2019 Women will likely be expected to wear dresses that do not reveal too much skin—hence the high neck and long sleeves—and a modest hemline. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "Cressida Bonas Wore a Dress Just Like Kate Middleton's to Princess Eugenie's Wedding," 12 Oct. 2018 Apart from the modest price tag, this button-up dress comes in 25 different colors and patterns, from understated florals to bold geometric prints. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Amazon Reviewers Say That Everyone Needs This $23 Milumia Maxi Dress in Their Summer Closet," 16 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.