modifier
noun
mod·i·fi·er
ˈmä-də-ˌfī(-ə)r 
1
: one that modifies
2
: a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase
3
: a gene that modifies the effect of another
Examples of modifier in a Sentence
In “a red hat,” the adjective “red” is a modifier describing the noun “hat.”
In “They were talking loudly,” the adverb “loudly” is a modifier of the verb “talking.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Netflix take on Patricia Highsmith’s novel has done away with the titular modifier.
—
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024
Lisa and Miriam come to Greg’s defense, arguing that the statute in question contains a dangling modifier.
—Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
In addition to one homicide charge having a domestic abuse modifier, Sotka was also convicted of three counts of felony bail jumping, two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, and one count of criminal damage to property.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
The goal is to survive a series of encounters involving an impressive number of maps, objectives, modifiers, and characters that can be randomly picked or manually chosen.
—David Pierce, The Verge, 10 Mar. 2024
The charge against him also includes modifiers for use of a dangerous weapon and for being a party to a crime.
—Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2024
Most damage-dealing projectile sizes have been increased by a new global modifier added to their base size.
—Kris Holt, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
This mode is unbelievably addicting – modifiers, boss battles and an ever-changing path of randomized encounters keeps it feeling fresh and exciting, even after hours of play.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Jan. 2024
Would-be weather modifiers conducted a series of expensive field experiments, seeding massive storm clouds over the course of many seasons in different parts of the United States.
—Kathryn Phillips, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024
Lisa and Miriam come to Greg’s defense, arguing that the statute in question contains a dangling modifier.
—Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
In addition to one homicide charge having a domestic abuse modifier, Sotka was also convicted of three counts of felony bail jumping, two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, and one count of criminal damage to property.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
The goal is to survive a series of encounters involving an impressive number of maps, objectives, modifiers, and characters that can be randomly picked or manually chosen.
—David Pierce, The Verge, 10 Mar. 2024
The charge against him also includes modifiers for use of a dangerous weapon and for being a party to a crime.
—Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2024
Most damage-dealing projectile sizes have been increased by a new global modifier added to their base size.
—Kris Holt, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
This mode is unbelievably addicting – modifiers, boss battles and an ever-changing path of randomized encounters keeps it feeling fresh and exciting, even after hours of play.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Jan. 2024
Would-be weather modifiers conducted a series of expensive field experiments, seeding massive storm clouds over the course of many seasons in different parts of the United States.
—Kathryn Phillips, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modifier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near modifier
Cite this Entry
“Modifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modifier. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modifier
noun
mod·i·fi·er
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r
: a word (as an adjective or adverb) or group of words (as a phrase or clause) used with another word or group of words to limit its meaning
Medical Definition
modifier
noun
mod·i·fi·er
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r
1
: one that modifies
2
: a gene that modifies the effect of another
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