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
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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
There’s no proven way to prevent or cure the disease, but delaying its onset—even modestly—can help preserve and prolong people’s independence and quality of life.
—
Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Between 2022 and 2024, the annual number of violations rose steadily but modestly.
—Frederic Lemieux, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
In its base case, prices remain steady or rise modestly.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed a lower prevalence of overall cognitive decline, and caffeinated coffee and tea were also found to modestly improve cognitive function.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent changes to Kauffman Stadium — fences moved in ~10 feet and walls lowered — are expected to boost power modestly.
—Eno Sarris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
If Miami-Dade could lead a competitive bidding effort for a decade-long process in a county’s water infrastructure, why shouldn’t the City of Pembroke Pines do the same for a modestly sized municipal building department after 17 years of one vendor holding the contract?
—Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
There is also evidence that ginger may modestly lower blood glucose levels, which could enhance the effects of certain blood sugar–lowering medication.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
While modestly lower Tuesday, Corning hit an all-time intraday high in the prior session.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Between 2022 and 2024, the annual number of violations rose steadily but modestly.
—Frederic Lemieux, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
In its base case, prices remain steady or rise modestly.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed a lower prevalence of overall cognitive decline, and caffeinated coffee and tea were also found to modestly improve cognitive function.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent changes to Kauffman Stadium — fences moved in ~10 feet and walls lowered — are expected to boost power modestly.
—Eno Sarris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
If Miami-Dade could lead a competitive bidding effort for a decade-long process in a county’s water infrastructure, why shouldn’t the City of Pembroke Pines do the same for a modestly sized municipal building department after 17 years of one vendor holding the contract?
—Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
There is also evidence that ginger may modestly lower blood glucose levels, which could enhance the effects of certain blood sugar–lowering medication.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
While modestly lower Tuesday, Corning hit an all-time intraday high in the prior session.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 10 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
-
These are rumored to be some of the strongest in town — so strong the bar politely caps you at two.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In the wild, this cactus can get 4 feet tall and 10 inches wide, but a little bishop's cap in a 4-inch pot will stay politely small for many years to come.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
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
-
Shields, 62, sheepishly joked after two false starts.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
28 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
This gas is used in the rockets to keep their fuel tanks pressurized so that propellant can flow properly during operation.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
-
While riding mowers include safety functions such as automatic shut-offs, blade brakes, and rollover protection, the sheer size of the machine increases the injury risk if it is not properly handled.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Princess Bride is superbly planned and deferentially orchestrated — its theme fits its telling.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
While another woman, journalist Isabel De Leon (Genesis Rodriguez), is introduced in season 3, her relationship with Peter remains purely platonic (and focused on taking down intelligence broker Jacob Monroe).—
Ashley Boucher,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Bedtime reading—in a dark room, with a reading light around my neck and the aforementioned husband sleeping beside me—is purely for pleasure.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy.—
Katy Huff,
Scientific American,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Ball handlers would dribble close to the basket, only to meekly back away, sensing him looming.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modestly. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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