modify

verb

ˈmä-də-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
Definition of modifynext
1
as in to alter
to limit the meaning of (as a noun) adjectives are words that modify nouns, while adverbs can modify adjectives and verbs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to change
to make different in some way he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word modify different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of modify are alter, change, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When can alter be used instead of modify?

The meanings of alter and modify largely overlap; however, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of modify?

The words change and modify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

When would vary be a good substitute for modify?

Although the words vary and modify have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

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 modify Consider modifying by lying on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your calves resting on a couch. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025 After nearly two hours of executive session Monday night, the board returned at 10:25 p.m. and modified a recommendation for termination to a 90-day suspension. —Campbell Roper, Arkansas Online, 3 Apr. 2025 At a minimum, Illinois should empower the Department of Insurance to reject or modify excessive rate hikes, which would represent a basic consumer protection that residents in almost every other state enjoy. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 The Technical Foundation Of Modern Video Creation Video editing software traditionally works with timelines—strips of video, images and audio that can be arranged and modified. —Konstantin Hohr, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
  1. alter
  2. change
  3. qualify
  4. remodel
  5. transform
Verb
  • White’s addition to the roster likely doesn’t alter how the team approaches the 2025 NFL Draft.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But the disruption of traditional media has altered the standard PR process.
    — Dan Kahn, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of alter
Verb
  • Jonathan Gitlin Green is the eco mode, which changes the throttle map and turns down the climate control to eke out a few more miles of range.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Surveillance footage shows an individual, who authorities identified as Hernandez, changing into bright yellow worker's clothing, seeming to blend in after the shooting.
    — Megan Forrester, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • Furthermore, what determines the criteria for ‘Britishness,’ which organizations would qualify for funding, why would a fund be better placed to determine what audiences want to watch, which individuals would be expected to allocate funding, how would the funding be spent?
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • White is among the top 100 snooker players in the world (No. 93 on the list), and is hoping to qualify in the World Snooker Championship.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • According to local reports, it had been remodeled several times to update its dance floor, ambiance, lights and sound.
    — Griselda Flores, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The proposal would remodel and add to a vacant 3,500-square-foot two-story house at 625 Wrelton Drive in Bird Rock, facing Tourmaline Beach.
    — Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of remodel
Verb
  • Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding those efforts — transforming buildings and reimagining open spaces to create places that meet the growing demands of our downtown neighborhoods.
    — Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025
  • And just as Thierry Henry used Wenger’s Arsenal team as a vehicle to redefine the role of a Premier League forward, so Vieira used it to transform the idea of a midfielder.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of transform

Browse Nearby Words

modifies
modify
modifying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on modify

Nglish: Translation of modify for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All