Synonyms of modify

modify

verb

ˈmä-də-ˌfī 

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

• alter
• qualify
• misrepresent
• distort
• color
• narrow
• misstate
• warp
• pervert
• twist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expand
• broaden
• widen

2

as in to change

to make different in some way

he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alter
• change
• remodel
• transform
• rework
• revise
• recast
• remake
• refashion
• redo
• vary
• revamp
• deform
• mutate
• make over
• metamorphose
• revolutionize
• transmute
• convert
• transfigure
• exchange
• regenerate
• retool
• commute
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set
• fix
• stabilize
• freeze

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

Recent Examples of modify

Gateway is modified to first repair the old 1910 tunnel immediately and construct a more economical new tunnel (without expensive and unneeded bench walls and cross-connecting passageways) and link it directly into Penn Station. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026

Still, any CO₂-fixing organism could in principle be modified. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

Unfortunately, that tends to run up against all sorts of legal and political obstacles, not to mention the difficulty, expense, and scheduling challenges involved in modifying commercial ships. —David Szondy february 15, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026

If that’s not possible, Gordon said sometimes modifying work conditions or even changing jobs entirely is necessary to protect the lungs. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026