Definition of modestnext
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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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word modest distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of modest are chaste, decent, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

When is it sensible to use chaste instead of modest?

While the synonyms chaste and modest are close in meaning, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How do pure and chaste relate to one another, in the sense of modest?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
  • Conditions will bring above-average temperatures to World Cup host cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri, all of which have open-air stadiums.
    Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Forty ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler, a number still significantly lower than the average daily crossings before the war with Iran started in February.
    Deva Lee, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Walking around the Metlife Stadium, the Three Lions supporters seem to be the majority just based on pure volume.
    NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • That has to do with how quickly Intel can make itself into a pure play alternative.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The final attendance number fell just shy of a sellout at 68,391.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • 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.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • For an institution that has educated so many American presidents, Nobel laureates and Declaration of Independence signers, Harvard University had a rather humble beginning.
    Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
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.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • 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.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Conditioning is ever immaculate and the greens run fair and true.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • This season, the vibes remained immaculate.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The withdrawn draft focused on setting up several new watchdogs to keep AI in check, including a dedicated commission and a special insurance fund to help people if the new technology caused harm.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The story follows Trey, a withdrawn ex-con surviving as a night driver on the city’s margins, who forms a tentative and increasingly intimate bond with Camden (Dafne Keen), a sharp and restless young woman working as a call girl.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026
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.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
  • 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.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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