MODEST Synonyms: 258 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

modest

adjective

ˈmä-dəst

Definition of modest next

as in average

being about midway between extremes of amount or size he was awarded a modest pension when he retired

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pure

free from any trace of the coarse or indecent tended to wear more modest swimsuits than the thong-clad guests at the resort

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as in shy

not comfortable around people a modest winner who said a quick thank-you and promptly left the stage

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as in humble

not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness appealingly modest about her success in the fashion industry

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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 In that case, Fox made a modest admission that incorrect claims had been made, but Dominion Voting Systems was able to reveal the size of the settlement — the more telling concession. —

David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025 Two excellent current QBs with modest sprint speed are Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. —

Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 The year-on-year increases at each major are more modest, usually between 10 and 12 percent, but that percentage of tournament revenue remains steadfast, if not entirely immovable. —

Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 In the bond market, which has been the bigger focus for Wall Street recently, the moves were also more modest after the last month’s charge higher for yields. —

Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for modest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest

Adjective

Temperatures in South Lake Tahoe will be below average, with the high likely staying below freezing and lows dropping to the teens to low 20s, according to the forecast.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025
On average, the fortunes of the richest 10 billionaires — eight of whom live in the U.S. — grew by $100 million a day in 2024.

— Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025