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
This is especially true because since 1980 the growth in real median family income has been relatively modest, while college tuition has continued to rise faster than inflation.
—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
Their tour schedule is modest, affording a work-life balance across the board.
—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
Floor-to-ceiling shelving can turn a blank wall into valuable storage, tall drapery panels can make even the most modest historic structure feel expansive, and oversized artwork can help the eye travel through a room in a way that feels immersive and intentional.
—
Alyssa Longobucco,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2026
Chadwick had spent 39 years at Forest Hill Church, helping transform a once-modest congregation into a megachurch.
—
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for modest
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
Their tour schedule is modest, affording a work-life balance across the board.
—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
Floor-to-ceiling shelving can turn a blank wall into valuable storage, tall drapery panels can make even the most modest historic structure feel expansive, and oversized artwork can help the eye travel through a room in a way that feels immersive and intentional.
—
Alyssa Longobucco,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2026
Chadwick had spent 39 years at Forest Hill Church, helping transform a once-modest congregation into a megachurch.
—
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
-
Two legal aid organizations filed the lawsuit Thursday, calling for answers from the government over the policies and changes related to DACA renewal requests, including data on current average processing times, renewals and the length of time to process them.
-
If passed, the measure is expected to cost the average family of four up to an extra $650 per year.
Adjective
-
Couples who stay close over the long haul rarely run on pure self-sacrifice.
-
What ensued was 90 minutes of pure sound.
Adjective
-
The final attendance number fell just shy of a sellout at 68,391.
-
On Thursday, the EU Council formally adopted two regulations that officially enact the tariff commitments established last August, completing the legislative process just days shy of the July 4 deadline.
Adjective
-
Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
-
Oxygen transfer involves several interacting processes; many of them converge at the humble cork.
Adjective
-
The report draws on state-level estimates of life expectancy at age 65 (16 to 20 years, more or less, depending on the state), average retirement benefits, median net worth and expected retirement expenses.
-
The first phase is expected to create 72 modern apartments; rents at 70% of them will be restricted to what tenants making just 60% of the area’s median income could afford.
Adjective
-
Conditioning is ever immaculate and the greens run fair and true.
-
This season, the vibes remained immaculate.
Adjective
-
Such movement was not mirrored on the Netherlands’ right, where the attack-minded Denzel Dumfries was playing a more withdrawn role.
-
Without daily contact with peers, some children become more withdrawn, lonely or emotionally flat.
Adjective
-
Contrasting her with the meek, mysterious, and passive Anthy, the series examines the constrictions both men and women face via traditional gender roles, with an eye towards gender fluidity that remains radical today.
-
The series centers on Cha Myung-jo, a meek worker at a company producing imitation character stickers who, despite nominally heading his household, lives in the shadow of his far more capable wife.
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
