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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Modesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modesty. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modesty
noun
mod·es·ty
ˈmäd-ə-stē
: the quality of being modest
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