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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in shy
not comfortable around people
a modest winner who said a quick thank-you and promptly left the stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of modest
The sample size was modest, especially for subgroup analyses.
—
New Atlas, 31 July 2025
The tsunami waves turned out to be relatively modest.
—Dan Morrison, USA Today, 30 July 2025
While Musk envisions high-speed transportation reaching triple-digit speeds, the reality in Las Vegas is much more modest.
—Stuart Dyos, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
There is typically a seasonal decline in beef prices as grilling season slows down into the fall, but those price declines are likely to be modest.
—Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
New Atlas, 31 July 2025
The tsunami waves turned out to be relatively modest.
—Dan Morrison, USA Today, 30 July 2025
While Musk envisions high-speed transportation reaching triple-digit speeds, the reality in Las Vegas is much more modest.
—Stuart Dyos, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
There is typically a seasonal decline in beef prices as grilling season slows down into the fall, but those price declines are likely to be modest.
—Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
-
For example, a June 2024 publication in the RAND Health Quarterly described how drug prices in the U.S. were on average nearly three times higher than those in 33 other high-income countries.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
But the Briton has started getting close to Leclerc since Miami in May, the qualifying gap falling from around three-tenths of a second to a tenth on average.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But given that season 2 is yet to be confirmed, this is pure speculation.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
-
Citing the Base Realignment and Closure commission example is pure illusion.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
The 26-year-old All-Pro very publicly requested a trade from Dallas yesterday, and fellow Cowboys players were not shy about voicing their support for the star edge rusher.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Isabella Sermon will appear opposite Lowden as Georgiana, Mr. Darcy's shy and shockingly accomplished teenage sister.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
During the Depression, smart cooks came up with a way to make a delicious, family-friendly dessert that required the most humble ingredients.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Today, the humble spud is the world’s third most important staple crop, providing critical calorie intake for billions of people.—
Jay Kakade
July 31,
New Atlas,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The median overtime pay for those rangers was $567.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
With fewer businesses selling, the median sale price also fell by 6% on a year-over-year basis to $352,000.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
The clinic was immaculate, the technology was more advanced than my local dentist's, and my new teeth feel incredible.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
18 July 2025
-
While the beaches tend to get crowded on peak-season weekends, large swaths of immaculate sand are wide open during weekdays and during the off-season.—
Kara Franker,
Southern Living,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
-
Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis: some men may want to talk openly, others may become quiet or withdrawn.—
Alex Apatoff,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Antoinette becomes a de facto leader when her meek husband crumbles under pressure.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
-
The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share