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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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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

Examples 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 Meanwhile, Olive Garden, Darden’s largest chain by revenue, saw a more modest but still robust 2% increase in same-store sales, surpassing analysts’ expectations. —

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 19 Dec. 2024 This might be a relatively modest episode in narrative terms, in that no one gets stabbed or gives birth or discovers a secret fortune stashed in a wall of tomato cans. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024 That may seem like an oddly modest goal for a genius — Ayn Rand’s Howard Roark earned his heroic architect stripes with a monumental Manhattan skyscraper, after all — but this is not just a bingo parlor in a midsize town. —

Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024 Kittle noted that Samuel’s modest stat line against Chicago wasn’t due to a lack of effort but because of scheme. —

Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest

Adjective

An average international roundtrip is $1,630 — 13% more expensive.

Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024
Northbound Stock Connect volumes were just above average.

Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024