as in damn
the smallest amount or part imaginable
only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 modicum
At least a modicum of adversity, which Cleveland didn’t really have until the very end last season, is built into the start of the new campaign.
—
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
And yet a new revolution precipitated by the betrayals of an older uprising ought to prompt us to view what is now unfolding in Nepal, despite its appearance of promise, with at least a modicum of wariness.
—Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
His days as a starting pitcher are gone — save for a unique scenario Wednesday, when he’ll be called into action — but that same modicum of joy remains.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
This openness granted her a modicum of power in her, uh, complicated relationship with future husband Christian Grey.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modicum
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
And yet a new revolution precipitated by the betrayals of an older uprising ought to prompt us to view what is now unfolding in Nepal, despite its appearance of promise, with at least a modicum of wariness.
—Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
His days as a starting pitcher are gone — save for a unique scenario Wednesday, when he’ll be called into action — but that same modicum of joy remains.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
This openness granted her a modicum of power in her, uh, complicated relationship with future husband Christian Grey.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modicum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modicum
Noun
-
Even for those in the North who didn’t care a damn for the four million held in brutal bondage, or those who wanted a soft, conciliatory approach, the war began to take on new and moral meaning.—
Jack Sheehan
September 4,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
-
At the start, the project required building a damn to drain the water from the facade.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Miss Keaton…is not a whit like the flustered ingénue she was cast to play.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The whit and the whoo are from different owls.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Who knows — this one might, in tiny increments, one acoustic guitar lick or exhortation to live fully at a time.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Oct. 2025
-
While Kendrick and Drake were putting their pens to their limits, Metro fired up some software and got his licks in.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The shred of good news is that this might finally get Kate into the White House, since Grace Penn (Allison Janney) is looking for a VP.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Walston ripped up the card and let the shreds fall on Penn.—
Cameron Crowe,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There are hoots and hollers from raucous tourists on Bourbon Street, for example.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
-
There are a few hoots and hollers as the others agree or protest.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But the restriction appeared to do little to keep the pollution at bay.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
-
But these low-risk hi jinx will encourage your own littles to try new things and take chances for the adventure of learning and saving friends.—
Katie Grant,
Parents,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modicum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modicum. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share