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
Archaeologists have previously noted evidence of postmortem manipulation of human remains, such as mummification, and of modifying human bones into tools or decorative artifacts.
—
Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
And of course, that’s going to set up a constitutional crisis when the increasingly conservative Supreme Court during Reconstruction and after will start first modifying and then all but destroying the Fourteenth Amendment.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Such modifications, like changing an e-bike’s wheels, changing its motor or battery, or modifying its control panel to tweak speed controls and limits, might be considered a crime if the rider lacks a DMV license, according to the California attorney general.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The study also acknowledges that modifying an interconnected system requires careful evaluation of unintended consequences.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 June 2026
However, Quinton recommends hiring a licensed electrician for projects that involve modifying electrical panels, running new wiring, or adding circuits.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
The use of shotcrete makes modifying a 65-year-old structure easier, adds Dull.
—D. Hunter Reardon, USA Today, 3 June 2026
These medicines are disease-modifying therapies that address root causes and enhance quality of life rather than just managing symptoms.
—Karen R. Studer, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
The new study takes a different route by leaving the catalyst largely unchanged and instead modifying the electric field around it.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
And of course, that’s going to set up a constitutional crisis when the increasingly conservative Supreme Court during Reconstruction and after will start first modifying and then all but destroying the Fourteenth Amendment.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Such modifications, like changing an e-bike’s wheels, changing its motor or battery, or modifying its control panel to tweak speed controls and limits, might be considered a crime if the rider lacks a DMV license, according to the California attorney general.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The study also acknowledges that modifying an interconnected system requires careful evaluation of unintended consequences.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 June 2026
However, Quinton recommends hiring a licensed electrician for projects that involve modifying electrical panels, running new wiring, or adding circuits.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
The use of shotcrete makes modifying a 65-year-old structure easier, adds Dull.
—D. Hunter Reardon, USA Today, 3 June 2026
These medicines are disease-modifying therapies that address root causes and enhance quality of life rather than just managing symptoms.
—Karen R. Studer, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
The new study takes a different route by leaving the catalyst largely unchanged and instead modifying the electric field around it.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modifying
Verb
-
Being diagnosed with a rheumatic disease is a life-altering experience that can feel overwhelming and intimidating.—
Chloe Castleberry,
Flow Space,
7 July 2025
-
However, if one insider gets his wish, the team would make a franchise-altering move.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
The jury would finally see her and be bowled over by her big game-changing move!—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The narrative is changing and whatever’s been foggy, confusing or quietly simmering in the back of your mind becomes easier to navigate.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Then, against the odds, Panama finished above the United States and Honduras in World Cup qualifying to book their spot in Russia eight years ago.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Sweden booked its World Cup ticket despite not winning a single match in qualifying.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The company currently operates 591 stores across 33 states and plans to open 25 new locations this year while remodeling 50 existing stores.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2026
-
Some home improvements can be expensive, such as adding central air conditioning or remodeling an entire room of your house.—
Hiranmayi Srinivasan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
The production is co-created and co-directed by choreographer Steven Hoggett and theater artist Christine Jones, with Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke reworking the album’s material.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 June 2026
-
What began as a hobby for Kristin Juszczyk—reworking vintage athletic gear to create one-of-a-kind pieces—has established her as a breakout fashion force.—
Avery Stone,
Time,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modifying. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
