1
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
he was awarded a modest pension when he retired
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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
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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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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
Zimmerman House, which also belongs to the Currier Museum, is an example of Usonian architecture pioneered by Wright featuring horizontal lines, modest dimensions, and open floor plans, and incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick.
—
News Desk, Artforum, 17 Oct. 2025
The index extended those gains with a modest rise on Thursday.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Indeed, the film proved a modest crowd-pleaser for its local release, raking in over 200,000 admissions after premiering in Cannes and playing competition in Annecy.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Financial records on the district’s website suggest modest spending on the two primary law firms representing the district.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
News Desk, Artforum, 17 Oct. 2025
The index extended those gains with a modest rise on Thursday.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Indeed, the film proved a modest crowd-pleaser for its local release, raking in over 200,000 admissions after premiering in Cannes and playing competition in Annecy.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Financial records on the district’s website suggest modest spending on the two primary law firms representing the district.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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Although his average size (6-0 1/4, 232) stands out, Fisher’s speed and instincts stand out even more.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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At the end of June, the company had 849,643 active memberships, with its members spending, on average, $888 on monthly dues and additional services over a three-month period from April through June.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Kinahans seemed to be acting out of pure rage.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
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Always test the paint on a pure white backdrop so underlying colors don’t distort the white shade.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The West Highland white terrier, who died in July just shy of turning 16, competed in dog shows and at one point was ranked as the top female Westie in the country.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
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Michigan is a young team with an 18-year-old starting quarterback, a second-year head coach who’s a few months shy of 40 and lots of first- and second-year players on its two-deep.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Bold hues are the name of the game, whether this means going for the kind of saturated, chili pepper–adjacent red that flooded the runways of labels like Ferragamo or embracing autumn’s fascination with all things deep purple, courtesy of an earrings pair that pays homage to the humble eggplant.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
13 Oct. 2025
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And Jacob, who’s so humble, Mia, and, of course, Christoph.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With a median home price of $645,000, according to Zillow, a mix of condo high-rises and historic brownstones make up the walkable neighborhood, which features numerous parks and a Hudson River waterfront pathway offering skyline views of lower Manhattan.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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Also eligible will be people earning less than 60% of the state’s median income — or less than $3,170 per month for a one-person household and $6,096 per month for a four-person household.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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No other game has featured two immaculate innings, in which the pitcher retires all three batters on three-pitch strikeouts.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 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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Even though Sunday night’s game devolved into a meek, 3-1 loss, the club is still eight wins from a potential World Series title with the hopes of a nation on their collective shoulders.—
Joe Kozlowski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Doherty, 30, is playing meek flower shop assistant Seymour in the treasured musical, about a strange and unusual plant that feeds only on human flesh and blood.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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