modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmä-də-ˌfī 
modified; modifying
1
: to make less extreme : moderate
traffic rules were modified to let him pass—
Van Wyck Brooks
Van Wyck Brooks2
a
: to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction
In the phrase "the red hat," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "hat."
b
: to change (a vowel) by umlaut
3
a
: to make minor changes in
had to modify his plan
b
: to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end
the wing of a bird is an arm modified for flying
: to undergo change
Examples of modify in a Sentence
We can help you modify an existing home or build a new one.
He modified the recipe by using oil instead of butter.
She has modified her views on the matter.
The design was modified to add another window.
We played a modified version of our favorite game.
Adjectives usually modify nouns, and adverbs usually modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
In the phrase “a red hat,” the adjective “red” modifies the noun “hat.”
Recent Examples on the Web
So, by modifying mouse genes to mimic these changes, the researchers have successfully engineered a living model of mammoth-like traits—a first-of-its-kind experiment in de-extinction science.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
But while public opinion has swayed towards Trump on border security and deportations, polling shows that a majority of Americans disapprove of the president’s position on modifying birthright citizenship, with a recent Pew survey measuring 56% opposed to his executive order and just 43% in favor.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes and, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
With riskier projects, MSCHF has pushed the boundaries of copyright law: After the 2021 release of its Satan Shoes, modified Nike Air Max 97 sneakers that sold out in under a minute, Nike filed a lawsuit against the group.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
However, six states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Oregon — have recently passed right-to-repair laws to protect consumers’ abilities to repair or modify their products.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
But while public opinion has swayed towards Trump on border security and deportations, polling shows that a majority of Americans disapprove of the president’s position on modifying birthright citizenship, with a recent Pew survey measuring 56% opposed to his executive order and just 43% in favor.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes and, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
With riskier projects, MSCHF has pushed the boundaries of copyright law: After the 2021 release of its Satan Shoes, modified Nike Air Max 97 sneakers that sold out in under a minute, Nike filed a lawsuit against the group.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
However, six states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Oregon — have recently passed right-to-repair laws to protect consumers’ abilities to repair or modify their products.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
Articles Related to modify
Cite this Entry
“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
1
: to make changes in : alter
modify a plan
2
: to lower or reduce in amount or degree : moderate
3
: to limit in meaning : qualify
in the phrase "green gloves," "green" modifies "gloves"
Medical Definition
modify
transitive verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
: to make a change in
modify behavior by the use of drugs
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