MODESTLY Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

modestly

adverb

Definition of modestly

as in humbly

in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion spoke modestly about his accomplishments as an entrepreneur

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in innocently

with purity of thought and deed dressed modestly to go to church

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 modestly In a subsequent lecture, Halford noted that snake venom’s effect on the blood was like that of cholera, and modestly suggested that the venom of dead snakes, dried and carried aloft on the wind, might be the cause of that disease. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 As Republicans battled for relevance in the shadow of Watergate in the mid-1970s, Latvala’s political career started modestly. — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday modestly downgraded its outlook for the world economy this year, citing the energy shock caused by the Iran war. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 However, the company is poised to modestly beat EBIT expectations for its second-quarter financial results, which could push up its shares, according to JPMorgan. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 8 July 2026 That number varied modestly from the 1980s through the early 2000s, owing in no small part to a waning interest in socialism generally. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026 The International Energy Agency expects demand will recover very modestly next year (around just 2 million barrels a day) while supply surges by 8 million barrels a day. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday modestly downgraded its outlook for the world economy this year, citing the energy shock caused by the Iran war. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 Freddie Freeman is back on his Hall of Fame nonsense after a modestly slow start. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 7 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modestly

Adverb

The restaurant from Yao and co-owners Ryan Bailey and Nikki Reginaldo began humbly, as did its beverage program.

— Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
The post shows the actress going from humbly accepting the compliment to striking her best modeling poses as the wind blows through her hair.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Definition of humbly

Adverb

Their amalgamation with the other color produces a degradation to which no lover of his country, no lover of excellence in the human character can innocently consent.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
It was innocently posted by motorsports reporter Cole Cusumano, who was there covering the race.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of innocently

Adverb

Contreras, to his credit, came out and pleaded his case politely after interim manager Chad Tracy had a conversation with the umpire.

— Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Your perspective is changing, but choosing to stay politely objective or undecided will no longer suffice, Libra.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Definition of politely

Adverb

This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
The boy stepped out of the chair, thanked the staff and said goodbye — only to sheepishly return for a hug with Hiniker.

— Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Definition of sheepishly

Adverb

Research shows that almost two-thirds (64%) of patients using sharps at home have never been taught how to dispose of them properly.

— Irina Butler, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
The Smithville native suffered a fracture in May that, if not handled properly, could have changed his life forever.

— Latif Love July 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of properly

Adverb

Relationship researchers have identified a handful of reliable markers that distinguish a partnership still animated by active connection from one sustained purely by structure and habit.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Whether this move is seen as a win in the case of national security concerns or purely to target Chinese goods is secondary.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 July 2026

Definition of purely

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“Modestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modestly. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of modestly

adverb

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