1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innocently
with purity of thought and deed
dressed modestly to go to church
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of modestly
The chipmaker also issued better-than-expected guidance for the first quarter, but shares of Nvidia are still only modestly higher in extended trading.
—
Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Kombucha may modestly alter the gut microbiota.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
While more modestly sized than some of its rivals, this sub features tender meatballs (fennel sausage also available), a bright arrabbiata sauce, requisite mozzarella and basil.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
Mentions of trade and politics increased, while references to labor market conditions eased as perceptions of the job market improved modestly this month.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Initial results have been modestly encouraging; interviews with world leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made news and garnered millions of views across The Economist’s social channels, as well as being available in its own app.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Analysts predicted that the new 15% tariffs would alter tax rates for some trading partners, but would only modestly reduce overall tariff rates from above 10% in 2025 to 9% in 2026.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026
Retaining the three-wheeler’s unique sliding-pillar front suspension, the 4/4 was steadily, if modestly, updated through the years.
—Jamie Kitman, Air Mail, 21 Feb. 2026
Stolen base output has been modestly improving (from 19-for-29 in 2024 to 20-for-25 last season), and there is room for a few more steals if on-base skills tick up slightly.
—Derek Vanriper, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Kombucha may modestly alter the gut microbiota.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
While more modestly sized than some of its rivals, this sub features tender meatballs (fennel sausage also available), a bright arrabbiata sauce, requisite mozzarella and basil.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
Mentions of trade and politics increased, while references to labor market conditions eased as perceptions of the job market improved modestly this month.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Initial results have been modestly encouraging; interviews with world leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made news and garnered millions of views across The Economist’s social channels, as well as being available in its own app.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Analysts predicted that the new 15% tariffs would alter tax rates for some trading partners, but would only modestly reduce overall tariff rates from above 10% in 2025 to 9% in 2026.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026
Retaining the three-wheeler’s unique sliding-pillar front suspension, the 4/4 was steadily, if modestly, updated through the years.
—Jamie Kitman, Air Mail, 21 Feb. 2026
Stolen base output has been modestly improving (from 19-for-29 in 2024 to 20-for-25 last season), and there is room for a few more steals if on-base skills tick up slightly.
—Derek Vanriper, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modestly
Adverb
-
The drive The test took place humbly in downtown Los Angeles, mostly – no race tracks or solo three-lane highway sojourns.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Theirs started humbly, and a bit unexpectedly.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The mistake begins innocently enough.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The story starts innocently enough.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Though Sarah has politely declined offers from others to pray over her, the nanny powers through.—
Gerald Witt,
AJC.com,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The team politely declined the invitation, citing travel logistics put in place days earlier.—
John Wawrow,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Liu sheepishly turned and applauded the 17-year-old Nakai, who raced over and hugged her.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Hisatsune sent roars through the stadium par-3 16th by sinking a 7-foot birdie putt and smiled sheepishly at his chip in on 17 after hitting his tee shot left into the pond.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
On the other hand, there were times when Hilton did not appear to have properly taken into account the implications of his policy positions or perhaps didn’t care.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Mar. 2026
-
According to Michigan law, if a minor fires the gun and inflicts harm on themselves or another individual, the person who failed to properly store the gun could face a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $7,500, or both.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Princess Bride is superbly planned and deferentially orchestrated — its theme fits its telling.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Floyd comes across as a purely kind soul, making his willingness to cheat on his wife seem out of character.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
26 Feb. 2026
-
If Earth were covered in a perfectly calm ocean with no winds or currents, the water would settle into broad hills and valleys defined purely by gravity.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
25 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Are members of Congress really supposed to sit meekly and quietly while the president uses the rostrum of their chamber to abuse and insult them in the ugliest language?—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy.—
Katy Huff,
Scientific American,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modestly. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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