1
as in meekness
the absence of any feelings of being better than others
his natural modesty makes him reluctant to run for public office
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
the quality or state of being morally pure
in this day and age, that's very becoming modesty in a teenager
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of modesty
Democratic politics thrive when leaders and followers act with modesty and humility, when no one sees themselves as infallible or indispensable.
—
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
His athletic testing, however, lacked modesty.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Their genuine modesty and humility was really exciting to show.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
His epistemological modesty produced a spirit of caution.
—David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modesty
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
His athletic testing, however, lacked modesty.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Their genuine modesty and humility was really exciting to show.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
His epistemological modesty produced a spirit of caution.
—David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modesty
Noun
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And Jesus' answer is one takes it through meekness, peacemaking, humility, love, etc.—
Jason DeRose,
NPR,
26 May 2026
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Who has time for affected meekness when playing the braggart not only tickles the soul, but has the potential to convince others of one’s own greatness?—
New York Times,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Rarely translated into English, but revered in Japan for the purity of her classical language and her status as the country’s first professional woman writer, Ichiyo Higuchi drew on her own short life in a poor Tokyo neighbourhood to inspire her work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
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Bezel setting is central to my work, as nearly every piece is built around handmade bezels which, in 22-karat gold, can be fused rather than soldered and then shaped and set entirely by hand using simple tools due to the metal’s purity and softness.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Noun
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The Wolf’s nudity could be read as a metaphor for his acceptance of his powerlessness, his willingness to listen with humility, and his purity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
The first film in the Thor series sees the god of thunder exiled from his fabled home of Asgard to earth where he is forced to learn humility.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
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Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian says Murdaugh maintains his innocence and will not consider a plea deal ahead of the index trial.—
Andrea Marks,
Rolling Stone,
25 May 2026
-
Shirilla has repeatedly maintained her innocence.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Noun
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The humbleness comes from the fact that Mendoza wasn’t supposed to be here.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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And well done Connor Storrie for acknowledging her response with kindness and humbleness.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modesty. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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