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
His epistemological modesty produced a spirit of caution.
—
David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
In a city where architectural bombast has often been favored over architectural quality, the White House has stood apart for its grace and modesty.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
In lieu of a top, Suki Waterhouse wore two peacock feathers, designed by Tamara Ralph, rendered in gold crystal — the glittering tendrils just about protecting her modesty.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
Iran’s legal system is based on one interpretation of what Islam teaches about gender roles and modesty for women, and is used to control women, said Iqbal Akhtar, professor of politics and international relations and religious studies at Florida International University.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modesty
David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
In a city where architectural bombast has often been favored over architectural quality, the White House has stood apart for its grace and modesty.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
In lieu of a top, Suki Waterhouse wore two peacock feathers, designed by Tamara Ralph, rendered in gold crystal — the glittering tendrils just about protecting her modesty.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
Iran’s legal system is based on one interpretation of what Islam teaches about gender roles and modesty for women, and is used to control women, said Iqbal Akhtar, professor of politics and international relations and religious studies at Florida International University.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modesty
Noun
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Such meekness is understandable from him.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2026
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Likewise, meekness once meant not becoming weak, but subjugating power to reason – not letting anger take control.—
Timothy J. Pawl,
The Conversation,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The column gossiped about which journalists and pundits did not pass the new purity test.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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These were easier to produce, and, imbued with the Shaker reputation for purity, were as good as gold.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
4 May 2026
Noun
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My strength is the opposite — insight, humility, and the ability to bring the right people and ideas together to solve complex problems.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
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Instead, technology can be used to uphold the very values of humility and responsibility that the tradition was built.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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In Church’s day, that separation depended on promoting a robust idea of American innocence over Europe’s enfeebling corruption.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 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
-
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 8 May. 2026.
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