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
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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of modest
One is to defeat the Steelers, of course, extending their modest winning streak to three games in a row and improving their overall record to 7-3.
—
Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
The modest pace of hiring, alongside a series of high-profile layoff announcements from major companies, helps explain why consumers remain pessimistic about the labor market.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
The most likely scenario might be that, yes, a few more athletes than before, perhaps especially those who are in financial trouble, are turning to sports betting as a way to generate a modest amount of extra income—or, in some instances, to work off their own gambling debt.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
The homes were modest, with a median price of $85,000, and many of them were purchased in foreclosure.
—Karen Wang, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
The modest pace of hiring, alongside a series of high-profile layoff announcements from major companies, helps explain why consumers remain pessimistic about the labor market.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
The most likely scenario might be that, yes, a few more athletes than before, perhaps especially those who are in financial trouble, are turning to sports betting as a way to generate a modest amount of extra income—or, in some instances, to work off their own gambling debt.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
The homes were modest, with a median price of $85,000, and many of them were purchased in foreclosure.
—Karen Wang, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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Olathe’s trajectory mirrors what’s happening across Johnson County — which saw more than 90% of the homes go up in value in 2024, with the average home prices sitting at $508,000 and average sale price at $557,000.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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In fact, a 2023 study found that child prodigies tend to earn more and have more career success than the average person.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Just the pure joy of motion and music.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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That verisimilitude functioned as a solvent, lending credibility and urgency to elements of the show that might otherwise register as pure cheese; the medical realism and sentimental flourishes were mutually reinforcing.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Running back Ryan Walters was just shy of 100 yards picking up 99 on 16 carries.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Nov. 2025
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Now McCaffrey is four yards shy of reaching 600 rushing yards and joining a club with Marshall Faulk and Brian Westbrook as the only NFL players with four seasons of 600-plus yards both rushing and receiving.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
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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The median salary is $75,190, and the top 10% of earners get $121,200.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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For students who graduated this year with an MD degree from a four-year medical school in the United States, the median cost of attendance was $318,825, according to Kristen Earle, director of student financial services at the Association of American Medical Colleges.—
Tribune News Service,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Many reviewers credited the beach’s immaculate facilities and amenities— including bathrooms, charcoal grills, tables, and picnic pavilions—for making their visits true trips to paradise.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Oct. 2025
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But with Mayfield playing immaculate hero ball, those issues are less important than the fact that Tampa’s young (and now injured) secondary is exactly the type of game the Lions prefer to hunt.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Just a meek statement requesting support for peaceful protest from the same regime that will imprison its citizens even for the thought of it.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
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Born in a stable among animals, Jesus entered the world humble and meek, not with the grandeur of a king.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
25 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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