1
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
he was awarded a modest pension when he retired
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from any trace of the coarse or indecent
tended to wear more modest swimsuits than the thong-clad guests at the resort
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3
as in shy
not comfortable around people
a modest winner who said a quick thank-you and promptly left the stage
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4
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness
appealingly modest about her success in the fashion industry
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of modest
And more generally, the results even hint that beyond a relatively modest amount of weekly exercise, doing more of anything doesn’t help you.
—
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
Her sleeping quarters are modest but functional.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Like The Pitt, A Knight of Seven Kingdoms also is delivering strong viewership on a modest budget and a smaller scale than House of Dragon, for example.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Some practices with favorable payer mixes break even or earn modest margins.
—Jess Steier, STAT, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modest
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
Her sleeping quarters are modest but functional.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Like The Pitt, A Knight of Seven Kingdoms also is delivering strong viewership on a modest budget and a smaller scale than House of Dragon, for example.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Some practices with favorable payer mixes break even or earn modest margins.
—Jess Steier, STAT, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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Growth in services consumption outpacing goods expenditure largely reflects rising average income levels and would likely have occurred even without policy support, said Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
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As digital distractions, from texting, social media, breaking news, work, and more, increasingly encroach on our lives, our average attention span — the length of time a person is able to concentrate mentally on a specific activity — has shrunk.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Adam Lambert Standing on the smaller, rotating stage in the middle of the room, Lambert showcased how even with his irrepressible flair, his pure voice is the star.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
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Cocktail making at White Bar is almost a choreographed dance and a simple orange daiquiri feels like drinking a glass of pure bright sunshine.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On the other hand, this contrast with prior Fed picks could make Rieder even more attractive to Trump, who is not shy about busting norms.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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On Bridgerton, Penelope starts off as the somewhat shy and overlooked Featherington daughter.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Singer Island has a humble personality, with more reverence for its natural beauty and less regard for glamorous perfection than its southern neighbor.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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This humble ingredient is a powerhouse in all kinds of cooking.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His plan is for six townhouses to be leased at rates considered affordable for tenants earning just 60% of the area’s median income; another seven would be priced for people making up to 80% of that average.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
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The complex will serve families who earn under 80% of area median income.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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There are scenic halls, pagodas and pavilions; gardens of immaculate topiary; and tranquil water features, including ponds with koi carp.—
Vicky Smith,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Also, his vibes are immaculate.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Flynns’ pompous neighbor, Jim Doherty, a divorcé with a withdrawn, unpleasant son, encourages Catherine’s artistic rebirth.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
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Off-screen, Affleck has a slightly rougher star persona, while Damon’s can be a little more withdrawn and intellectual.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The magic of the series comes in the complete buy-in of the contestants as well as Davies and Horne (Horne's character is a meek, annoying and sycophantic version of himself).—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
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But savings were meek, with the largest dip found in Stockton, off only 4% last year vs up 2% in 2024 and 36% over the previous four years.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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