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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in humble

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 While still modest in size, independents have grown faster with an 89 percent year-over-year leap, more than triple the pace of the likes of Richemont and LVMH for the same period. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Kelly doubts that even a modest decline in oil prices will be a game-changer for the bond market because of the sheer amount of borrowing that’s required. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 Two modest orbiters, part of NASA’s ESCAPADE mission, are on the way to Mars after launching last year to study the interaction between the Martian atmosphere and the solar wind. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 That sounds modest, but in a room that is already borderline unbearable, a few degrees can be the difference between running the AC all afternoon and giving it a break. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest

Adjective

Across this period, there has been a strong correlation between higher average possession and points per game.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The required earnings amount is adjusted annually to reflect changes in average wages, so the threshold generally rises over time.

— Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of average

Adjective

Sanft argued his client’s account was pure fiction, and that investigators failed to quickly and vigorously corroborate it for a reason.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
These sneakers also come in a wide variety of colors and trims if pure white isn’t your thing.

— Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of pure

Adjective

Dell's strong comments on demand for AI servers is spreading to Nvidia , with shares up more than 3% and trading a few dollars shy of levels after last week's strong earnings.

— Jeff Marks,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
That's just two shy of the SpaceX reuse record, which was set by B1067 last week.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

His summer project with the Boardwalk is all about nurturing diplomatic relations between the US and Italy by playing the role of approachable host on the immaculate floating mansion.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
The vibe here is immaculate, incredibly unique, and simply put, warm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of immaculate

Adjective

Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
Closer to home, Liverpool have shown the pitfalls of an expensive facelift, splurging record sums on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer only to free-fall from champions to a meek fifth-place finish.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of meek

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“Modest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modest. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of modest

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