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 Although the data remains locally stored on each device, all participants in the network can validate the records, which ensures that the information cannot be secretly modified or erased. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026 This structural diversity suggests that evolution has modified the organ under different ecological conditions. —Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026 The proposal for the Curtner and Stone site is considered to be very preliminary and might be modified as a result of the city review process. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026 Yolo County officials have identified and modified more than 1,100 historic property records containing discriminatory covenants, some dating back more than a century. —Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
  1. alter
  2. change
  3. qualify
  4. remodel
  5. transform
Verb
  • Gwath altered several shots by Utah State.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • For English language learners, for example, teachers can use AI to alter the lexile level of a reading passage.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • Another key sticking point for each of the defense attorneys was a social media account the prosecution said went from an Antifa DFW account to a book club page, claiming it was changed as a disguise.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Bozell also called for changing a land law that allows the South African government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • Last week, 10 Republicans and Harris qualified to run in November's election for a full two-year term.
    — JEFF AMY AND SOPHIE BATES THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The Heat, which has needed to qualify for the playoffs through the NBA’s play-in tournament in each of the last three seasons, needs to finish among the East’s top six teams to clinch a playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • Danny Niemela, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona, recommends low-pile carpets with a higher twist in heavily trafficked areas, like hallways and stairs.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Eco effort When the building was remodeled in 2012, The Marlton's design team prioritized lowering energy consumption.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of remodel
Verb
  • It is soon expected to transform into what is known as a gang suppression force in upcoming months.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The building later became a dormitory for The New School, until hotelier Sean MacPherson—the creative force behind the Ludlow Hotel and Hotel Chelsea—transformed it into a hotel once again in 2012.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 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 17 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of modify for Spanish Speakers

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