1
2
3
4
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness appealingly modest about her success in the fashion industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word modest distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of modest are chaste, decent, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

When is it sensible to use chaste instead of modest?

While the synonyms chaste and modest are close in meaning, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How do pure and chaste relate to one another, in the sense of modest?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

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 modest Its unibody design keeps the weight down to a modest 15.7 oz (446 g) including the battery, which is a fair bit less than the 23-oz (650-g) Sony A7 III. New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025 Teams like Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC offer ticket tiers ranging from modest to ultra-exclusive, catering to fans willing to pay for the ultimate match-day experience. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025 When the original America First movement flourished in the 1930s, the United States had a modest military and did not have superpower status. Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Standout benefits: This account earns a modest amount of interest on your balance and doesn’t require a minimum. Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
  • That basic annuity is calculated using years of service and the highest average pay during three consecutive years of service, so even employees who are eligible for the program could end up with a lower-than-expected benefit if they are pushed out.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The results of the annual poverty tracker, which estimated the average family needs to make $50,000 just to afford basic necessities, immediately sparked backlash as New Yorkers are squeezed by inflation.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The finish is long, pure, and unadulterated, with lingering ripe red fruit notes.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • There will be an all-electric Ferrari by then, and Ferrari’s strategy of hedging its bets by continuing with hybrid and pure internal-combustion drivetrains alongside its new electric model might look prescient.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • They may be drawn to partners who provide excitement but shy away from relationships that require effort, compromise or emotional depth.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • And some shy away from expressing controversial takes — even anonymously.
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Ram is using the humble 3.6 L Pentastar V6.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
  • By the time Napoleon invaded Egypt, in 1798, Alexandria had become a humble Ottoman port.
    Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The median nightly price per person for a vacation rental in Avila Beach is $124, according to HomeToGo.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In 2023, the median price for a New York City slice was $3.24, according to journalist Liam Quigley.
    Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Aided by their immaculate record of qualifying for Europe in every season since 1992-93, the pair have accumulated nearly 700,000 miles in UEFA competitions (roughly three times the distance to the Moon).
    Conor O'Neill, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • In Brown, Rice found a friend and golfing buddy, two veteran receivers whose perfectionist nature was represented not only on the field but also in coming to work looking immaculate in terms of dress and style.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Solitary, eccentric, shrouded in a mystical melancholy, Joakim fights for his farm and leads a withdrawn life, with only his pets and a neighbor for company; a Slovak immigrant who also lives ostracized, as an outsider.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Hong’s withdrawn gaze is interrupted by sudden movements, like pans across space and crash zooms into ongoing conversations.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Small mercies are welcome when the losses are this meek.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes, young players of his profile are quite meek — apologetic for their ability, even.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 27 July 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on modest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!