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

2

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 The consent orders have been modified several times to deal with delays. Justin Doughty, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025 Over time, the test was modified so that people could earn some income without losing all their benefits. Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 In July 2022, Citizens’ Board of Governors approved allowing the company to modify its policies with a rider that gave Citizens or its policyholders the right to request arbitration by DOAH. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025 It was modified and approved several times to accommodate community input. Dana Afana, Freep.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
Verb
  • Harbaugh altered the plan after Lance completed 9 of 12 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns through the first two quarters as the Chargers opened a 21-7 lead.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 31 July 2025
  • But Gates and Rivers altered the route before the play without any communication.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • These leadership changes follow the departure of Barbara Lynne Jamison, who has become General Director and CEO of Opera Colorado.
    Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
  • As Texas gears up for the start of the 89th legislative session Tuesday, a bathroom bill is back as well as several other proposals affecting people who want to change their gender on government documents, health care providers who provide gender-affirming care and transgender children.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Properties that have received federal disaster aid in the past also must be covered by flood insurance to qualify for future assistance.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • To qualify for the deduction, a vehicle also must be assembled in the U.S., which further limits the tax break.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • That changed in January 2020 when the administration moved employees into the unoccupied 101 Ash Street building, only to evacuate it because city contractors had released asbestos while remodeling.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025
  • The racetrack opened in 1927; the Post and Paddock Club followed two years later and was periodically remodeled.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2025
Verb
  • In High Performing Family Offices, the book lays out a blueprint for how elite families are transforming their offices from legacy-holding structures into long-term enterprises driven by purpose, performance, and professionalism.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Beginning life as a lighter, more kid-friendly spinoff before transforming into something more melancholic and thoughtful than its parent series, Boruto is also broken into two distinct halves.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on modify

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