modesty
noun
mod·es·ty
ˈmä-də-stē 
1
: the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
She accepted the award with modesty.
2
: propriety in dress, speech, or conduct
The young man was known for his modesty.
Examples of modesty in a Sentence
She accepted the award with modesty.
He is known for his modesty, an uncommon characteristic for a politician.
There was no false modesty in her victory speech.
the modesty of her clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Queen Camilla’s monochrome attire and choice of mantilla fall under papal protocol, requiring women who meet with the pope to wear black and a veil, symbolizing respect and modesty.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
The carousel featured one image of the friends walking along together, using shopping bags and a skateboard to cover their modesty.
—Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Bush declined to do so out of modesty, an increasingly rare trait in today’s Washington.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
What is especially striking is the contrast between the relative modesty of what is shown and the scenes of María Ángeles recounting her experiences, with great relish, to her childhood friend Joséfa (María Áfonsa Rosso), now a nun in a silent order.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modesty
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Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
The carousel featured one image of the friends walking along together, using shopping bags and a skateboard to cover their modesty.
—Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Bush declined to do so out of modesty, an increasingly rare trait in today’s Washington.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
What is especially striking is the contrast between the relative modesty of what is shown and the scenes of María Ángeles recounting her experiences, with great relish, to her childhood friend Joséfa (María Áfonsa Rosso), now a nun in a silent order.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modesty
Cite this Entry
“Modesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modesty. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modesty
noun
mod·es·ty
ˈmäd-ə-stē
: the quality of being modest
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