1
as in altering
to limit the meaning of (as a noun)
adjectives are words that modify nouns, while adverbs can modify adjectives and verbs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in changing
to make different in some way
he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 modifying
The companies are also modifying the electrical characteristics of the devices in other ways.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
25 June 2026
With the completion of a multi-year effort to modernize Baltimore’s rail infrastructure — raising bridges, modifying overpasses and expanding the Howard Street Tunnel to accommodate double-stack container trains — Baltimore once again sits at the center of a national rail breakthrough.
—
Wes Moore,
Baltimore Sun,
22 June 2026
If a child is going through a growth spurt and struggling with growth area stress, parents can ask their coach about modifying training, usually meaning reducing rapid directional changes, playing on shorter fields, and focusing more on strength and skill development rather than volume.
—
Nicole Williams,
AJC.com,
22 June 2026
Interestingly, Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw had a history of modifying his own Pride Night hats with the very same Bible verse.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
The Air Force has been modifying the jet in Texas since September to meet the security, communications and other needs to transport the president.
—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
That separation allows developers to introduce new capabilities without redesigning airframes or modifying platform-specific hardware.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
Disease-modifying therapies have demonstrated efficacy in early symptomatic disease.
—
Elizabeth Bevins,
STAT,
16 June 2026
This therapy works by modifying sleep habits, regulating sleep-wake schedules, reducing arousal and reframing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
IEEE Spectrum,
25 June 2026
With the completion of a multi-year effort to modernize Baltimore’s rail infrastructure — raising bridges, modifying overpasses and expanding the Howard Street Tunnel to accommodate double-stack container trains — Baltimore once again sits at the center of a national rail breakthrough.
—
Wes Moore,
Baltimore Sun,
22 June 2026
If a child is going through a growth spurt and struggling with growth area stress, parents can ask their coach about modifying training, usually meaning reducing rapid directional changes, playing on shorter fields, and focusing more on strength and skill development rather than volume.
—
Nicole Williams,
AJC.com,
22 June 2026
Interestingly, Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw had a history of modifying his own Pride Night hats with the very same Bible verse.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
The Air Force has been modifying the jet in Texas since September to meet the security, communications and other needs to transport the president.
—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
That separation allows developers to introduce new capabilities without redesigning airframes or modifying platform-specific hardware.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
Disease-modifying therapies have demonstrated efficacy in early symptomatic disease.
—
Elizabeth Bevins,
STAT,
16 June 2026
This therapy works by modifying sleep habits, regulating sleep-wake schedules, reducing arousal and reframing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modifying
Verb
-
That allegedly included altering corporate documents of NOR Healthcare, the California hospitals’ operator, to include a clause that would transfer 10% of the company to Gill upon Sarian’s death, according to court documents.
-
Instead, a doctor walked into the room, looked down at his chart and delivered a life-altering diagnosis.
Verb
-
Though both teams are coming off wins, each tweaked its starting 11 from those openers, with Mexico changing three starters.
-
That means retaining the iconic characters and narrative structure, but halving episode length to 11 minutes and changing graphic design, says Peekaboo producer Iván Agenjo.
Verb
-
The 2026 systematic review found a lack of qualifying human trials testing IV NAD+ for anti-aging, but that absence isn’t the same as evidence of harm.
-
This year, some of the extra festivities include the chance to win free groceries for a year (customers who spend $15 or more on a qualifying online grocery order on Amazon are entered automatically), with $1 million in total prizes across 100 winners.
Verb
-
Work ranged from repairing the roof and updating the heating and ventilation systems to remodeling the community workspaces and adding new study pods.
-
During the transition period, all YMCA programs will continue while the church fundraises and plans remodeling.
Verb
-
Call it a Sporty Spice revival—fashion insiders are reworking them into a key seasonal staple.
-
Lhapal Gyal said the team retained the spiritual core of the source material while reworking character relationships and the narrative structure, drawing on their own direct encounters with the landscapes, customs and culture of Xizang.
Cite this Entry
“Modifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modifying. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
