modification

noun

mod·i·fi·ca·tion | \ ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən

Definition of modification

1 : the limiting of a statement : qualification with some modifications this statement is true today— J. B. Conant

2 : mode entry 1 sense 6a

3a : the making of a limited change in something making the exactly minimum degree of modification to her institutions necessary to fit them to new conditions— John Strachey also : the result of such a change

b : a change in an organism caused by environmental factors

4 : a limitation or qualification (see qualification sense 1) of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about modification

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Examples of modification in a Sentence

The program can be used on all computers without modification. They passed the law with only a few minor modifications. The weather required some major modifications to our travel plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

In one particularly egregious case involving children with learning disabilities, students are being given painful electric shocks as a form of behavior modification. — WSJ, "Derelict Hospitals Must Reform or Face Loss of Funds," 7 Jan. 2019 Similar modifications were made to other systems, and in 2001—less than two years after the final failure of the H-2 rocket—its successor took flight. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Quietly, Japan has established itself as a power in the aerospace industry," 15 Nov. 2018 There isn’t any precedent for a whole society being put under continuous behavior modification surveillance and control. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "If you can quit social media, but don’t, then you’re part of the problem, Jaron Lanier says," 27 July 2018 Pediatricians and child psychiatrists typically give parents a few treatment options: medication, behavior modification or both. — Michelle Watson, CNN, "Millions of kids on ADHD meds decide their treatment as adults," 6 June 2018 The American Veterinary Medical Association says canine devocalization should only be performed by a qualified, licensed vet as a last resort to euthanasia after behavior modification fails to stop excessive barking. — Lisa Gutierrez, kansascity, "Breeder 'debarked' dogs by shoving a pipe down their throats, Penn. authorities say," 30 May 2018 In the following decades, efforts focused on aggressive behavior modification techniques meant to implant strong aversions to homosexuality. — Chris Weller, Newsweek, "Never Scared Straight," 1 May 2014 Address brain health using lifestyle modification and medication, and treat any underlying diseases, like diabetes or heart disease. — Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, "A New Treatment for Alzheimer's? It Starts With Lifestyle," 16 Nov. 2018 Dissatisfied with medical school and in dire need of money, Mary begins performing underground surgeries and body modifications. — Ashley Nkadi, Teen Vogue, "15 Scary Movies Directed by Women Perfect for Halloween," 30 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modification.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.