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
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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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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
The 16-inch display has a modest 1,920 by 1,200 resolution and, thanks to the rapid 480Hz refresh rate, is best suited for competitive multiplayer games rather than blockbusters.
—
Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 24 June 2025
Since counterforce targeting is driven by the composition and not the size of adversaries’ nuclear arsenals, this would require only a modest adjustment to account for China’s growing ICBM silos.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Denver Public Schools and the district’s teachers union have reached a tentative deal on a new contract that, if approved, will give educators modest raises over the next three years.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
In all likelihood, the impact now would be less than in the past because our oil trade balance is positive; net exports, at 2 million barrels per day, will translate into modest but significant economic benefits.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 24 June 2025
Since counterforce targeting is driven by the composition and not the size of adversaries’ nuclear arsenals, this would require only a modest adjustment to account for China’s growing ICBM silos.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Denver Public Schools and the district’s teachers union have reached a tentative deal on a new contract that, if approved, will give educators modest raises over the next three years.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
In all likelihood, the impact now would be less than in the past because our oil trade balance is positive; net exports, at 2 million barrels per day, will translate into modest but significant economic benefits.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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The ground in south Florida has been, on average, 81.8 per cent full during its six games hosted so far.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Consider that for the average university lab, the indirect costs alone—including office support, computing, compliance, instruments, space and administrative support—average $8 million annually, and that's a conservative estimate.—
Siamak Baharloo,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Add in the pure creativity and skill of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat (legit competitors in their own rights, albeit in smaller bodies), and the two-way play of Dylan Larkin and Nate Danielson, and the future forward lineup starts to look pretty balanced.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
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As Electrek points out, the E-VO isn't a pure Honda product.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 29,
New Atlas,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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However, Wicked arrived on Peacock on March 21, just shy of four months after the film opened in theaters.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Measuring over 4 feet tall and just shy of two feet wide, this charming furniture find offers loads of storage in both top and bottom compartments.—
Alexandra Kay,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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These humble movie moments have now become the foundation of a trending dinner party format.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
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The company remains true to the humble ethic of hard work and friendly customer service embodied by the founding family.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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This is low joblessness as the median monthly local jobless rate since 2010 is 5.8%.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
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Nearly all families would qualify to receive scholarships except those making more than three times their area's median income.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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An immaculate inning is far rarer than a pitcher throwing a no-hitter, which has been done 326 times, or a batter hitting for the cycle, which has been done 349 times.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 June 2025
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Miami Marlins pitcher Cal Quantrill's immaculate inning last month was the most recent time it's happened in a major league game.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Raj’s meek voice could faintly be heard against the jarring cacophony of honking horns, street performers, and the chatter of street vendors and passersby.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
24 June 2025
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From small and relatively meek beginnings, proboscideans eventually evolved into herbivorous, elephantine giants with a broad array of different tusk arrangements and shapes.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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