modification

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

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of modification

1 : the limiting of a statement : qualification

with some modifications this statement is true today
—J. B. Conant

2 : ¹mode 6a

3 a : 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 1) of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

See modification defined for English-language learners

See modification defined for kids

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 of modification from the Web

Examples of projects include interior and exterior repairs, accessibility modifications such as installation of grab bars and railings, painting, yard work, and clutter removal.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Manchester Edition," 10 Apr. 2018
Thus significant changes and modifications can be expected.

— Washington Post, "Hungary’s Viktor Orban to make ‘significant changes’ in govt," 10 Apr. 2018
According to Walsh, push-up modifications involve varying the speed of the push-up, changing the position, or adding weight.

— lindsey lanquist, SELF, "How to Work Up to Brie Larson's Impressive Weighted Push-up," 9 Apr. 2018
The carmen’s union filed a grievance over the change, suggesting that any more modifications could invite more union opposition.

— adam vaccaro, BostonGlobe.com, "Canceled MBTA bus trips on rise as absenteeism increases among drivers," 6 Apr. 2018
Another senior official outlined modifications Mr. Trump wants to see in asylum policies to limit the number of people claiming to be political refugees who can apply for protection in the United States.

— julie hirschfeld davis, New York Times, "Trump’s Immigration Tweets Followed by Policy Plans to Match," 2 Apr. 2018
If an idea can't be done within the confines of cable TV, Cameron says that finding a modification or alternative often leads to something even better.

— julie hinds, Detroit Free Press, "'Evil Dead' to FX's 'Legion': John Cameron's trip from Detroit to Hollywood," 2 Apr. 2018
Route changes were based on these findings and the workshops will give users a chance to discuss or dispute the modifications.

— wayne k. roustan, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Ride the Sun Trolley? Your feedback is being sought," 30 Mar. 2018
In December, the Hall of Fame announced modifications that shortened the wait time for Hall eligibility.

— jeff zillgitt, USA TODAY, "Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame," 29 Mar. 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.