modesty

noun

mod·​es·​ty ˈmä-də-stē How to pronounce modesty (audio)
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
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.
Bush declined to do so out of modesty, an increasingly rare trait in today’s Washington. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 What is especially striking is the contrast between the relative modesty of what is shown and the scenes of María Ángeles recounting her experiences, with great relish, to her childhood friend Joséfa (María Áfonsa Rosso), now a nun in a silent order. Alissa Simon, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025 The culture of beauty pageants has also changed over the decades, with more of an emphasis now on character and public service than appearance, a trend that overlaps with the Islamic ideal of modesty that encourages women and men to cover up. Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Hendricks, the longtime Cub and 2016 World Series champion who’s now pitching for the Los Angeles Angels, instantly recognized Sandberg’s modesty and kindness. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modesty

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of modesty was in 1531

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Cite this Entry

“Modesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modesty. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

modesty

noun
mod·​es·​ty ˈmäd-ə-stē How to pronounce modesty (audio)
: the quality of being modest

More from Merriam-Webster on modesty

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