modify

verb

mod·​i·​fy ˈmä-də-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
modified; modifying
Synonyms of modifynext

transitive verb

1
: to make less extreme : moderate
traffic rules were modified to let him pass— Van Wyck Brooks
2
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

intransitive verb

: to undergo change
modifiability
ˌmä-də-ˌfī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce modify (audio)
noun
modifiable
ˈmä-də-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce modify (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for modify

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different.

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

alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English modifien, from Anglo-French modifier, from Latin modificare to measure, moderate, from modus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modify was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing modify

Rhymes for modify

See All Rhymes for modify

Browse Nearby Words

modify
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Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

modify

verb
mod·​i·​fy ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
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"
modifiable
-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce modify (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

modify

transitive verb
mod·​i·​fy ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
modified; modifying
: to make a change in
modify behavior by the use of drugs
modifiability
ˌmäd-ə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce modify (audio)
noun
plural modifiabilities
modifiable
-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce modify (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on modify

Nglish: Translation of modify for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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