as in meekly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion
humbly accepted the criticism
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of humbly
Greenidge puts her aims even more humbly.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
Unlike its sprawling neighbor, Riverside Church, a few streets over, Broadway Presbyterian stands humbly on a fraction of sidewalk, with a mere four stairs leading up to its fire-engine-red doors.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Founded in 1896, the club began humbly with a nine-hole layout near Tralee before moving to Fenit Island, where golfers played against the backdrop of Barrow Harbour.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In a world often too quick to forget those who serve quietly and humbly, Roland’s story is remembered by family, friends and colleagues as one of true leadership.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Lan’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
Unlike its sprawling neighbor, Riverside Church, a few streets over, Broadway Presbyterian stands humbly on a fraction of sidewalk, with a mere four stairs leading up to its fire-engine-red doors.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Founded in 1896, the club began humbly with a nine-hole layout near Tralee before moving to Fenit Island, where golfers played against the backdrop of Barrow Harbour.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In a world often too quick to forget those who serve quietly and humbly, Roland’s story is remembered by family, friends and colleagues as one of true leadership.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Lan’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humbly
Adverb
-
Finishing last season with 91 points while meekly bowing out in the first round doesn’t help that perception.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
United finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league position since they were relegated in 1974, and surrendered meekly to Tottenham in the Europa League final.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Kerr spoke for the first time on Tuesday, an hour or so before news of Kuminga’s new deal broke, answering only a few questions about the 22-year-old forward’s status before politely declining to answer anything else until the contract negotiations were settled.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The queen greeted this insane question with a politely regal stare, ignored my faux pas, and continued talking about financial inclusion.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Outside the house, Jake finally gets a hold of Anna, and sheepishly threatens to fire her in a way that suggests our guy doesn’t exactly maintain professional boundaries with his attractive young staffers.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Nick, who was dressed in a crisp two-piece suit and black dress shoes, later emerges from the pool and sheepishly walks over to James to greet her.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Princess Bride is superbly planned and deferentially orchestrated — its theme fits its telling.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The broad market index started the day modestly higher, touching a new all-time intraday high, before fizzling a bit and trading near the flatline.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
2 Oct. 2025
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Artists and songwriters could earn a decent living with an album that sold even modestly.—
Roy Trakin,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Even worse, the Red Devils lost to lowly Grimsby Town in penalties in the second round of the EFL Cup at the end of August.—
Pueng Vongs,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
-
When opportunities arise, whether lowly paid or not, we’re often left with no other choice than to take the role that pays meagerly.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humbly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humbly. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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