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
The tool can modify sentences or longer sections of text to shorten or lengthen the word count, change the tone, or format it in a different way.
—Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
However, some stores may have modified hours to accommodate workers who are voting.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
This research could help resolve long-standing questions about how close encounters with planets can modify asteroid surfaces, potentially advancing our understanding of solar system dynamics and asteroid evolution.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Users can modify every component without starting over, allowing for efficient adjustments and a creative flow more akin to traditional digital art than to current AI generators.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modify 
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Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
However, some stores may have modified hours to accommodate workers who are voting.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
This research could help resolve long-standing questions about how close encounters with planets can modify asteroid surfaces, potentially advancing our understanding of solar system dynamics and asteroid evolution.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Users can modify every component without starting over, allowing for efficient adjustments and a creative flow more akin to traditional digital art than to current AI generators.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modify
Articles Related to modify
Dictionary Entries Near modify
Cite this Entry
“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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