Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

modest

[mod-ist] / ˈmɒd ɪst /
ADJECTIVE
shy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
humble moderate prudent quiet simple unassuming
WEAK
bashful blushing chaste coy demure diffident discreet lowly meek nice proper reserved resigned reticent retiring seemly self-conscious self-effacing sheepish silent temperate timid unassertive unassured unboastful unobtrusive unpresuming unpretending unpretentious withdrawing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brave complex complicated intricate
WEAK
arrogant assured bold conceited courageous egotistical extraordinary immodest ostentatious presumptuous proud self-confident unabashed unashamed unlimited
ADJECTIVE
limited, ordinary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
humble inexpensive moderate reasonable simple small
WEAK
average cheap discreet dry economical fair inelaborate middling natural plain unadorned unaffected unembellished unembroidered unexceptional unexcessive unextravagant unextreme unobtrusive unornamented unostentatious unpretentious unradical unstudied
Antonyms
STRONGEST
expensive outrageous unreasonable
WEAK
arrogant assured bold brave conceited courageous egotistical extraordinary immodest ostentatious presumptuous proud self-confident unabashed unashamed unlimited

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Trump’s latest announcement has led to a “very modest reversal of prior asset moves,” says Gavin Friend, senior markets strategist at NAB, in commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

If gas stations are omitted, retail sales rose a more modest but still healthy 0.6%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

His daughter, Ruth Pole, said he was "very, very modest" and she "never heard him lose his temper once, which is truly remarkable".

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

But I saw someone who put love into her home, no matter how modest.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Changing cultural values was never a modest undertaking.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing modest

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Diary of Anne Frank

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!