modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmä-də-ˌfī 
modified; modifying
1
: to make less extreme : moderate
traffic rules were modified to let him pass—
Van Wyck Brooks
Van Wyck Brooks2
a
: to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction
In the phrase "the red hat," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "hat."
b
: to change (a vowel) by umlaut
3
a
: to make minor changes in
had to modify his plan
b
: to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end
the wing of a bird is an arm modified for flying
: to undergo change
Examples of modify in a Sentence
We can help you modify an existing home or build a new one.
He modified the recipe by using oil instead of butter.
She has modified her views on the matter.
The design was modified to add another window.
We played a modified version of our favorite game.
Adjectives usually modify nouns, and adverbs usually modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
In the phrase “a red hat,” the adjective “red” modifies the noun “hat.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Not a lot of people are looking at the area that is actually modified and flooded by beaver populations.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2025
Earlier this month, Texas Representative David Spiller introduced a bill that would prohibit health insurance companies from using AI to delay, deny, or modify claims, legislation similar to what other states have brought forward.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Second, the neural network dynamically amplifies some of its expert vectors and dampens others, modifying its base weights to tailor itself to its current situation.
—Rob Toews, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Increasing physical activity and modifying diet to one with less red and processed meat and with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber can help as well.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
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show current usage.
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Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2025
Earlier this month, Texas Representative David Spiller introduced a bill that would prohibit health insurance companies from using AI to delay, deny, or modify claims, legislation similar to what other states have brought forward.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Second, the neural network dynamically amplifies some of its expert vectors and dampens others, modifying its base weights to tailor itself to its current situation.
—Rob Toews, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Increasing physical activity and modifying diet to one with less red and processed meat and with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber can help as well.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
Cite this Entry
“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
1
: to make changes in : alter
modify a plan
2
: to lower or reduce in amount or degree : moderate
3
: to limit in meaning : qualify
in the phrase "green gloves," "green" modifies "gloves"
Medical Definition
modify
transitive verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
: to make a change in
modify behavior by the use of drugs
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