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
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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 findings even suggest that modest design modifications can yield substantial benefits, offering engineers flexibility in designing future reactors by balancing performance with engineering complexity.
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
The company reported modest revenue growth (15%) but a significant 390% increase in net losses to $152 million, alongside rising funding and credit loss costs.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Beyond the million-dollar prizes, there are also modest prizes of between $4 and $500 in Powerball and between $10 and $800 in Mega Millions.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
The first Ice Palace, built in the style of a medieval castle, debuted along with the carnival in 1886; the most recent palace, of modest size and situated in Rice Park, was a popular attraction at the 2018 celebration.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
The company reported modest revenue growth (15%) but a significant 390% increase in net losses to $152 million, alongside rising funding and credit loss costs.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Beyond the million-dollar prizes, there are also modest prizes of between $4 and $500 in Powerball and between $10 and $800 in Mega Millions.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
The first Ice Palace, built in the style of a medieval castle, debuted along with the carnival in 1886; the most recent palace, of modest size and situated in Rice Park, was a popular attraction at the 2018 celebration.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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Basically, average lows are getting hotter both at night and in the early morning, a trend seen across the country and globe.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
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The planes are modern, with the average aircraft being less than seven years old.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Gerald Genta Minute Repeater A pure minute repeater – without other high watchmaking functions as part of a grand-complication package – is a rare thing.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Invisible pollutants unleashed To simulate real-world conditions, the researchers placed unused masks in beakers of ultra-pure water and left them at room temperature for 24 hours.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Playmakers available, underused Through eight quarters of Fitch’s offense, the 49ers haven’t been shy to spread the ball around.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
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Maddie is a great vegetarian chef, but has always been too shy to cook in front of an audience.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Its irresistible hook is always the food, prepared with love and care, often at humble family-run operations that have been in business for generations.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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The original movie saw the recent college graduate in the intense world of fashion and global media, juggling her humble past with a bright future while working as an assistant to Streep’s Priestly.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Platte County, the second wealthiest county in Missouri, boasts many nice homes — the median home value being over $369,000.—
Madeline King,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
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Liberal and performing arts majors, for example, should think twice about borrowing hundreds of thousands in student loans if their median salary within five years of graduation is approximately $38,000.—
Brian Walsh,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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To put it simply, the vibes were immaculate.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
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Part first-person shooter, part action-adventure game, BioShock delivers on immaculate art direction, top-notch gameplay, and a morality system that, while simple, is still very enjoyable to engage with.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 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.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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What threatened to be a meek, straight-sets exit for the 13th seed went full-metal crazy on match point down when Bonzi was interrupted from serving it out after a photographer absent-mindedly walked onto the court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Social deficits can manifest as belligerent or meek.—
Tao Lin,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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