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 According to investigators, the shoplifting suspect was armed with a Glock that had been modified to fire fully automatically. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The dual time zone complication was powered by a single automatic movement—a Caliber 27-460 modified by Cottier—meaning that the twin dials could be operated in tandem or set independently. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026 The plan continues to be modified, and helps promote writing across all disciplines including math and science, Schroeder said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 There are more than 20 disease-modifying therapies for MS, Bebo said, so figuring out the best one for you might involve trial and error. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
  1. alter
  2. change
  3. qualify
  4. remodel
  5. transform
Verb
  • In that scene, Rhys Harries impressively alters his own features without makeup.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Shorter days alter light exposure, which affects circadian rhythms, the internal biological processes that regulate sleep, alertness and mood.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In recent weeks, AI companies have been working to change that.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • Eligible adults were able to receive as much as $1,200 as well as $500 per qualifying child.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Now, students qualify for a lottery according to their performance on standardized tests.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • La Grande Épicerie’s fish stand was remodeled two years ago, including with mosaics by Parisian artist Mathilde Jonquière, and the rotisserie corner has been relooked more recently.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Offices have been remodeled for a modern look, part of a plan to upgrade on-campus facilities.
    — PJ Green October 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of remodel
Verb
  • Since then, a growing movement across North America is attempting to transform ecological menaces into culinary commodities, from Florida to Hawai’i, British Columbia, Maine, and the Mississippi River basin.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sabbagh predicts this could transform the space industry from having less than 10 million users of mobile satellite services to being able to reach billions of users.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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