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

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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

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 Despite its relatively modest size – 1,900 square feet – 708 felt expansive, filled with light, color, and laughter. —

Ed Massey, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 The limited amount of existing home inventory has provided builders with a modest boost heading into 2025, with new home sales increasing 3.6% in December, according to federal data. —

Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 31 Jan. 2025 Its modest storefront entrance gives way to a long tropical deck out back that overlooks an inlet on the canal that flows into the Intracoastal Waterway. —

John Oseid, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 More:Melania Trump sports dark, modest outfit for Inauguration ceremony What did Ivanka Trump wear to the inauguration? —

Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for modest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modest

Adjective

Overall, the study found that increases in average temperature, winter temperature and living density, alongside decreases in vegetation and funding for rat control, correlates with faster urban rat expansion.

— Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Granlund, the Sharks’ No. 1 center used in all situations, led the team this season with 45 points in 52 games and all of the team’s forwards in average time on ice (20:51).

— Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025