1
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
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of modest
The current system is modest compared to the country’s power needs.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
While the total settlement was among the largest in tech privacy history, individual payouts are expected to be modest due to the scale of claimants.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
What began as a modest one-day event called the Florida Extravaganza at our Biscayne Bay Campus in 1997 has evolved into America’s premier gourmet gathering, welcoming over 65,000 attendees annually.
—Dr. Michael Cheng, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Why modest homes that cost $200,000 a generation ago cost $800,000 now.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
While the total settlement was among the largest in tech privacy history, individual payouts are expected to be modest due to the scale of claimants.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
What began as a modest one-day event called the Florida Extravaganza at our Biscayne Bay Campus in 1997 has evolved into America’s premier gourmet gathering, welcoming over 65,000 attendees annually.
—Dr. Michael Cheng, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Why modest homes that cost $200,000 a generation ago cost $800,000 now.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest
Adjective
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That is, the group enables Hamas to be both arsonist and firefighter, enhancing its control and reach into the lives of average, everyday Palestinians in Gaza.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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When users search for flights on Google Flights, the search engine will say if the fares or lower, higher or average for that route.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Well, despite Peaches dying, all Robbie got was a massive load of pure fentanyl.—
Grace Byron,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
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Soon, boundary-free mowing took hold, powered by new technologies like pure vision, UWB, and RTK—each with merits and drawbacks.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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However, at the Budapest world championships in 2023, Alfred was just shy of a podium finish in both of her events.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Instead, the president hasn’t been shy about wanting elite colleges to foot the bill.—
Liam Knox,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even a humble vape pen could serve a website until too many curious visitors try to connect.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
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Don’t include the humble brags.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The median annual salary for dispatchers is around $50,000, which may be decent on paper but falls short when weighed against the emotional and cognitive demands of the job.—
Jason Truppi,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
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With median home prices around $232,500 and rents around $1,000, Amarillo offers budget-friendly options for those looking for an active lifestyle.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Kyle Schwarber's fit with the Philadelphia Phillies is immaculate, but 29 other teams will get the chance to bid on him this winter anyway.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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But why so immaculate, and why so radio-only?—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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What threatened to be a meek, straight-sets exit for the 13th seed went full-metal crazy on match point down when Bonzi was interrupted from serving it out after a photographer absent-mindedly walked onto the court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Social deficits can manifest as belligerent or meek.—
Tao Lin,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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