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 Cloud seeding has been around for decades, but a new announcement says a drone project saw a measurable success in modifying the weather. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 In addition, the pommel nut was modified to fit mass production. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 After 25 years, juveniles sentenced to life in prison are entitled to a sentence review, where a judge considers modifying a defendant’s sentence — and weighs evidence of a defendant’s rehabilitation, maturity, remorse and background. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 In particular, modifying recommendation algorithms to focus more on users’ long-term interests than their short-term behavior remains a central challenge. — Nathaniel Lubin, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
  1. alter
  2. change
  3. qualify
  4. remodel
  5. transform
Verb
  • Johanna Mayer said admissions ultimately came in below 20,000, but stressed that the result had not altered the company’s commitment to Pálmason.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Norwegian Constitution was altered in 1990 to allow future firstborns — regardless of gender — to take precedence in the line of succession.
    — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • Dodgers’ brass has refrained from dipping into its robust pool of outfield prospects, but the open roster spot could change their thinking.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Unlocking the true nature of dark energy and dark matter could help astronomers understand what the universe is made of, how its expansion has changed over time, and if there is more to understanding gravity than meets the eye.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • To qualify, travelers must book a round-trip JetBlue Main Fare flight combined with a hotel or cruise for travel by February 10, 2027.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Your mansion has a minimum size To qualify as a mansion on Indian Creek, size matters.
    — Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • Emirates’ massive suite, which is perched over the center of Ashe, is being remodeled this year to emulate the spacious lounges and curved bar on its double-decker Airbus 380 planes.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The building went through an even bigger transformation in 2018, when the interior was stripped down to the studs and completely remodeled, Lange said.
    — Evan Moore August 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of remodel
Verb
  • Embroidery, beading, leatherwork, and fur transform the familiar silhouette, while a new second strap allows it to be slung across the shoulder.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Following Technoblade’s death, more than 400,000 messages from fans were collected in a virtual Minecraft memorial and transformed into 22 books of condolences for his family.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of transform

Browse Nearby Words

modifies
modify
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Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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