MODIFY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

modify

verb

ˈmä-də-ˌfī

Definition of modify

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

as in to change

to make different in some way he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly

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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 Curing the void Rocket Lab said the problem appears to be solved after modifying the manufacturing process again. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026 That makes this galactic trio bad news for MOND, or modified Newtonian dynamics, an alternative to dark matter proposed in 1983 by the physicist Mordehai Milgrom. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 When microplastics come into contact with water, the water near their surface can become chemically active, generating highly reactive species that can modify nearby substances, including biologically important molecules. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 This semester, Newman has already modified her syllabus to respond to current events. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify

Verb

Which configuration changes in the past year altered what an AI system may decide, and did any return to the approver?

— Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
An experimental skin cream altered molecular markers associated with aging and inflammation in an early human trial, according to preliminary data released by its developer this week.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of alter

Verb

Under those rules, qualifying products generally must use yarn and fabric produced within participating countries to receive preferential tariff treatment.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and early withdrawals may face penalties unless they’re used for qualifying expenses such as education or a first home, so families should review the tax rules before deciding how to use the money.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualify

Verb

The expectations are there for the Bengals, which remodeled their defense and offensive line with the goal of making another Super Bowl run during the Burrow era.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Designed in the mid-1990s by architect Steven Ehrlich and later remodeled by interior designer Michael Lee, the residence offers four bedrooms and six bathrooms in roughly 6,500 square feet.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of remodel

Verb

At Gucci, the iconic Horsebit takes center stage across bags, belts and shoes, transforming timeless house codes into powerful statement accessories.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Rather than simply copying that, but with a slab of batteries under the cabin, the Fiat Multiplay explores the idea of a vehicle that’s adaptable, transforming from a three-row people carrier to a pickup.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of transform

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Style

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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