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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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
The average household income is a more modest $216,465.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
The modest upside to core CPI fell well short of that threshold.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
While the company supplies thousands of grocery stores nationwide, its retail operations were modest: a couple dozen stores.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 11 Aug. 2025
The front is modest, but the oval cutout in the back gives it extra flair.
—Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
The modest upside to core CPI fell well short of that threshold.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
While the company supplies thousands of grocery stores nationwide, its retail operations were modest: a couple dozen stores.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 11 Aug. 2025
The front is modest, but the oval cutout in the back gives it extra flair.
—Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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The average team is worth $7.13 billion, up 20% from a year ago.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
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For Steele, the trip was markedly different from the average — massive camera crew aside — in both practical and intangible ways.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The shot was clean with a bold recovery, just like a pure Mickelson moment.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
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Adeleye was outclassed from a pure boxing standpoint, but his heart was on display.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Florida’s wildlife commissioners set aside pleas and arguments from black bear advocates today and approved a December hunt of the state’s shy but increasingly troublesome species.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Aug. 2025
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And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The film stars Mark Feuerstein as Rabbi Mo, a humble leader in a high-desert Jewish community who is thrust into the role of reluctant warrior after a violent attack shakes his world.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
14 Aug. 2025
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Chelsea may go into the new Premier League campaign wearing a gold badge on their shirts that marks them out as reigning world champions after their triumph in the United States last month but, internally, the message from the club hierarchy is to stay humble and keep working.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The manufacturers that produce these gases typically are located in communities where the people are Black, Latino or Native American and earn less money than the state median income.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
16 Aug. 2025
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The median age of first-time homeowners is now 38 years old, an all-time high, according to a 2024 report by the National Association of Realtors.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For most of four months, the vibes were immaculate.—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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The whiskers on the Pacifica blue (pictured) on are immaculate.—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
14 Aug. 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.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Subsequently, Pakistan also bargained down the new American tariffs on its goods from 29% to 19% — relatively meek next to India’s rate.—
Andreas Kluth,
Mercury News,
14 Aug. 2025
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That 19% share is meek compared with where U.S. investors are most intensely busy – in states with small populations and tourism hooks.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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