1
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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2
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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3
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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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of modest
My goal is more modest—a weeklong road trip to some of the trail’s key sites.
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Emma John, AFAR Media, 7 Jan. 2025
Snow accumulation is predicted to be modest, with 1-2 inches in Flagstaff, 4-6 inches at Arizona Snowbowl, and up to 2 inches around Pinetop-Lakeside.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Frisch’s previous political experience was modest: a total of eight years on the Aspen City Council.
—Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
In this case, the optical distortion is quite modest.
—PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for modest 
Emma John, AFAR Media, 7 Jan. 2025
Snow accumulation is predicted to be modest, with 1-2 inches in Flagstaff, 4-6 inches at Arizona Snowbowl, and up to 2 inches around Pinetop-Lakeside.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Frisch’s previous political experience was modest: a total of eight years on the Aspen City Council.
—Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
In this case, the optical distortion is quite modest.
—PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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To the average person, appreciating the elements that crowned Super Mario 64 a groundbreaking game back in 1996 requires at least some wandering around its world.Patricia Hernandez, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
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Cats have an average body temperature of around 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit, a little higher than ours, which is approximately 98.6 Fahrenheit.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Looking at total equivalent units shifted, which include streams and not just pure purchases, the Blackpink musician’s project moved 33,300 copies.Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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Detailing the extraordinary journey of double bassist Orin O'Brien, who was the first full-time female member of the New York Philharmonic, this short film captures the glorious world of rehearsals, music classes, tiny apartments, and pure music geekery.Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That's shy of the monthly average for payroll gains of 180,000 in 2024 and 227,000 jobs added in November, pending any revisions.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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Zoom in: In Colorado, Democrats hold all state constitutional offices, 43 of 65 seats in the House and 23 of 35 seats in the Senate, just shy of supermajorities in each chamber.Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Bunny Museum began as a humble endeavor back in 1998.Maxwell Williams, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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The Ozark Mountain Music Festival has grown from its humble beginnings (11 acts over three days) to a full-fledged experience with 30 bands, artists live painting in the lobby and a weekend of good company.Dustin Staggs, arkansasonline.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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What To Know The median monthly housing payment hit a record of $2,920 in 2024, rising 4.3 percent from 2023 and 86 percent from 2019, according to .Robert Thorpe, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
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That’s the median home price in the Pacific Palisades, according to Redfin.Ty Roush, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Guests throughout the year are dazzled by Fulk’s exquisite interiors and immaculate attention to detail, but the holidays will bring something special.Meredith Lepore, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
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For most of the restaurant’s existence, Herrera sat on a chair at the counter, with immaculate red nails, taking orders and writing the names of customers on paper bags.Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Pettersson is more withdrawn, more cerebral, more sensitive and certainly not prone to confrontation by nature.Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
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Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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He was supposed to be a meek guy who doesn’t speak up.Josh Weiss, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Gary starts the film as a meek, somewhat nerdy college professor, but circumstances quickly force him into the uncomfortable position of becoming an undercover police informant.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near modest
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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