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
Even modest weight loss can improve cholesterol.
—
Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026
Set the scene The 12-bedroom property, hidden discreetly behind high walls, feels like a mini country manor house, furnished with seven generous suites and five garden pavilions housing more modest, colorful cottage bedrooms.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
That said, his ideas for the higher education boards were among his more modest policy ideas.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
In early trials, the drug provided modest hearing gains for people with a rare type of hearing loss, though its development has received pushback from parts of the Deaf community.
—Daniel Payne, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modest
Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026
Set the scene The 12-bedroom property, hidden discreetly behind high walls, feels like a mini country manor house, furnished with seven generous suites and five garden pavilions housing more modest, colorful cottage bedrooms.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
That said, his ideas for the higher education boards were among his more modest policy ideas.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
In early trials, the drug provided modest hearing gains for people with a rare type of hearing loss, though its development has received pushback from parts of the Deaf community.
—Daniel Payne, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
-
On average, the monthly benefit per household is about $350, and the average benefit per person is about $190.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Florida is also expected to face more above-average fire activity through at least June, when the summer’s rainy season ramps up to bring relieving downpours.—
Chris Dolce,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Beyond that, he’s motivated by pure self-interest.—
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The Jets are in need of talent up and down the roster and getting possibly the best pure pass rusher in the class is a good place to start.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In other words, the Chargers won’t be shy about using Mesidor equally in running or passing situations.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Skeptics point out oral exams can be unsettling for students who are shy or have serious anxiety, but clarifying the format ahead of time and starting with softball questions can help, says Carolyn Aslan, who leads Cornell’s oral exam training.—
Jocelyn Gecker,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
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,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Peas are a humble ingredient that packs a punch.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Housing Impact Fund, in its third wave of fundraising, now has $102 million to acquire, renovate and rent units for families making below 30% of the area median income up to 80% AMI.—
Desiree Mathurin
April 24,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In 2020, Liberty Park’s median household income was about 64% of the citywide figure — roughly $20,000 less per family, according to city data from the time.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
My mom [had] immaculate music taste and [played] me all the greats.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The vibes have been immaculate from the batting order, to the pitching rotation, to the bullpen, and everywhere in between.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Parents report that many children stop eating, lose weight and become withdrawn.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Along the way, Babilonia matured from the shy withdrawn child who refused to hold a boy’s hand into a bold, strong and confident woman.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That included a meek loss in Toronto, with Murray not participating on the second night of a back-to-back following a blowout loss at Detroit.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The other, meek and mild-mannered.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
