1
as in to alter
to limit the meaning of (as a noun) adjectives are words that modify nouns, while adverbs can modify adjectives and verbs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word modify different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of modify are alter, change, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When can alter be used instead of modify?

The meanings of alter and modify largely overlap; however, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of modify?

The words change and modify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would vary be a good substitute for modify?

Although the words vary and modify have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of modify There are no plans to allow them to be modified before adoption. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025 These can also be used to modify the model through techniques like fine-tuning. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Aug. 2025 Those that superficially implement AI, bolting tools onto current processes without modifying them, will falter. Jyothish R, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Security frameworks built for predictable, human-centric workflows are ill-equipped to handle agents that operate at machine speed, modify APIs and move sensitive data independently. Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
Verb
  • The aircraft's configuration was altered but seating charts were not updated.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Then there is the matter of changing the art, itself, and the possibility that improving its safety could alter the way the piece is intended to appear and operate.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For two weeks on the streets of the nation's capital, National Guard troops have not carried weapons, but that is expected to change on Saturday, Aug. 23, according to a senior official with knowledge of the deployment who was not authorized to speak on the record.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In Michigan, leaves will begin to change in mid-September and poison ivy leaves can change into either a red, yellow or orange color.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Adams, who’s facing an uphill climb in the mayoral election running as an independent candidate, collected enough petition signatures to qualify for both lines.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Hamilton County residents who remove invasive plants from their property can qualify for free native trees and shrubs through the county’s Invasive Species Trade in Program.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The rooftop space has been remodeled and revamped with an open-air vibe and lush garden, according to a news release.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The proposal would remodel and add to a vacant 3,000-square-foot two-story house at 625 Wrelton Drive in Bird Rock, facing Tourmaline Beach.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The film, about a Belarusian model dreaming of a career in China, slowly transforms into a love story between two outsiders.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The Hardys put their design superpowers to work to transform this downtown Bardstown three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment into a five-star vacation rental located in the downtown core.
    Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on modify

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