modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
Synonyms of modificationnext
1
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
With some modifications this statement is true today.J. B. Conant
2
3
a
: the making of a limited change in something
… making the exactly minimum degree of modification to her institutions necessary to fit them to new conditions.John Strachey
also : the result of such a change
b
: a change in an organism caused by environmental factors
4
: a limitation or qualification (see qualification sense 1) of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

Examples of modification in a Sentence

The program can be used on all computers without modification. They passed the law with only a few minor modifications. The weather required some major modifications to our travel plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Researchers introduced another unusual modification for environments where ice and water mixed together. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026 Traditional public health efforts have focused on cancer screening, tobacco cessation and lifestyle modifications. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Under the old system (GT1 and GT2), the ACO published a rulebook with acceptable modifications; automakers would build their cars to those rules and then go racing to see who was fastest. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026 At the earliest, any modifications to the current policy on admissions may be implemented for the first-year cohort entering university in Fall 2029. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for modification

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modification was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Modification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modification. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
a
: the act of modifying
b
: the state of being modified
2
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
3
: the result of modifying : partial change
modification of plans

Medical Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the act or result of modifying something
2
: a change in an organism that is not inherited and that is caused by the influence of its environment

More from Merriam-Webster on modification

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster