modify

verb

mod·​i·​fy ˈmä-də-ˌfī 

modified; modifying

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

modified the recipe by using oil instead of butter

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 

noun

modifiable

ˈmä-də-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms of modify

• alter
• qualify

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.

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

Qatar gifted the $400 million Boeing 747-8 to the United States in 2025, and the aircraft was subsequently modified for presidential use after Boeing’s replacement Air Force One program faced significant delays and cost overruns. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026

Spano spent roughly 18 months and, by his own estimate, well into seven figures modifying his jet—an Embraer Phenom 300—to carry two camera systems and clear FAA certification. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

Some initial evidence suggests that lentils may also play a role in modifying certain enzymes responsible for the body’s fat digestion and absorption processes. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

Trump is hardly the first President to modify the White House. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing modify

• pre-modify

Rhymes for modify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids 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"

modifiable

-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

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

modifiability

ˌmäd-ə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural modifiabilities

modifiable

-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective