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
That tech was then modified and used to execute the Zero Day attack.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Contracts use words like photographs and sound/clips with irrevocable rights to modify this very content to fit the universities’ future needs and interests.
—Karen Weaver, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Flexible Policies: Maintain agility to quickly modify internal policies and processes in sync with external shifts.
—Mit Somaiya, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
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Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Contracts use words like photographs and sound/clips with irrevocable rights to modify this very content to fit the universities’ future needs and interests.
—Karen Weaver, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Flexible Policies: Maintain agility to quickly modify internal policies and processes in sync with external shifts.
—Mit Somaiya, Sourcing Journal, 3 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 17 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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