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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of modesty
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
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
See All Example Sentences for 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
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
See All Example Sentences for modesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modesty
Noun
-
Such meekness is understandable from him.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Both humble and charming, the daisy represents youth and purity.—
Jenny Krane,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
-
The United Nations nuclear agency says Iran has more than 970 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Traits once seen as stabilizing — empathy, humility, shame — are recast as liabilities in a world that prizes speed, dominance and certainty.—
Sarah DaVanzo,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
-
Clive takes various moments over the course of our interview to gush over the comedy legend, evidently still in awe of his talent, generosity, and humility.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Attorneys representing the Flores family vehemently asserted their clients’ innocence, repeatedly citing a lack of eyewitnesses and evidence.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
-
But this should not be a matter of ticking off the boxes to rush an execution of someone who has a real claim of innocence, and the Supreme Court should be very cautious about sanctioning an approach where the state is prioritizing speed over the cause of justice.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
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 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
