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.

The frugality in “Hag” is apparent from its modest start.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Then a few modest choruses of “sell the team” broke out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The unemployment rate has remained modest, even as job growth has stalled.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

For Alphabet, the price target was lowered to $361 from $397, a more modest cut.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

It’s been hard for the modest Mona Lisa to live up to its reputation.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day