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

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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 Redevelopment means modifying the former Sears building to align with Dick’s House of Sports in-store features. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026 The material is like a sponge, but the researchers modified its internal structure to keep it stable inside water for long periods. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 Milei also modified an open-records law to limit the scope of publicly available information and, in 2024, shut down Argentina's state news agency Telam, accusing it of being a propaganda mouthpiece for the left-leaning populist opposition. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
  1. alter
  2. change
  3. qualify
  4. remodel
  5. transform
Verb
  • Scientists have documented that increasingly brighter nights are altering animal behavior, reproduction cycles and survival.
    — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Finally, in overcoming this vexing moment, the two would establish a painterly repartee that altered the trajectory of their own work and, by extension, modern art.
    — Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • Issue One, an advocacy group tracking redistricting nationwide, said changing maps for 2026 could be difficult because many states have already held primaries and legal challenges would place significant obstacles before the general election.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Why then hesitate at giving people information about themselves that will actually change their life for the better?
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • No one with the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office was immediately able to answer the Statesman’s question about whether vacant lots qualify for voter registration.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 28 Apr. 2026
  • State government collects hundreds of millions from facilities via the tax — then returns those funds as part of a complex arrangement to qualify for extra federal Medicaid reimbursements.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • The house next door to me could have been remodeled, and two ancient oaks could have been saved.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Adding this piece is one way to remodel your small space without too much heavy lifting.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of remodel
Verb
  • To some extent, the cool commercial logic of the fashion industry—which transforms beautiful, original works into cheaply reproducible goods, season after season—echoes that of Hollywood, which regularly cannibalizes and, yes, franchises its greatest successes.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set to debut this September, Kerrigan's forthcoming book aims to transform women's approach to dating by working to establish better standards, self-worth and confidence.
    — Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of transform

Browse Nearby Words

modifies
modify
modifying
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Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of modify for Spanish Speakers

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