Synonyms of modesty

modesty

noun

ˈmä-də-stē 

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

• meekness
• humility
• humbleness
• demureness
• lowliness
• quietness
• directness
• down-to-earthness
• submissiveness
• deference
• passivity
• compliance
• naïveté
• acquiescence
• timidity
• ingenuousness
• submission
• bashfulness
• plainness
• diffidence
• timidness
• sheepishness
• reserve
• reservedness
• shyness
• simpleness
• resignedness
• mousiness
• retiringness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• arrogance
• pride
• haughtiness
• assumption
• superiority
• egoism
• loftiness
• pretense
• imperiousness
• egotism
• conceit
• superciliousness
• attitude
• presumptuousness
• pomposity
• hauteur
• pretension
• pretentiousness
• assertiveness
• boldness
• pompousness
• pridefulness
• peremptoriness
• aggressiveness
• lordliness
• bumptiousness
• forwardness
• huffiness
• brashness
• overconfidence
• cheekiness
• swagger
• audaciousness
• impudence
• cockiness
• temerity
• cheek
• toploftiness
• cocksureness
• insolence
• vanity
• sauciness
• nerve
• impertinence
• boastfulness
• brassiness
• disdain
• swash
• self-satisfaction
• self-importance
• self-conceit
• condescension
• self-complacency
• self-opinion
• self-glorification
• scorn
• ostentation
• self-centeredness
• flamboyance
• vaingloriousness
• chest-thumping
• showiness
• ostentatiousness
• self-applause
• self-assumption
• self-partiality

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purity
• innocence
• virtue
• goodness
• chastity
• morality
• chasteness
• immaculacy
• righteousness
• decorum
• decency
• virtuousness
• rectitude
• probity
• propriety
• seemliness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impurity
• unchastity
• evil
• immodesty
• wickedness
• sinfulness
• badness
• unrighteousness
• vulgarity
• unchasteness
• indecency
• impropriety

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of modesty

The relentless state media campaign on the issue often cites prayer leaders who insist the hijab is part of Iranian cultural identity and that women should observe modesty. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

With quick feet, high IQ, and patience, Burkin carries a modesty that endears him to his teammates and coaches. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Traditional Afghan attire always included the hijab, which Ayesha says helps to maintain modesty. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026

His modesty has not changed over the past eight months, despite signing for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to represent Egypt at the World Cup and scoring a double for his new club’s first team. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026