modify

verb

mod·​i·​fy ˈmä-də-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
modified; modifying

transitive verb

1
: to make less extreme : moderate
traffic rules were modified to let him passVan Wyck Brooks
2
a
: to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction
In the phrase "the red hat," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "hat."
b
: to change (a vowel) by umlaut
3
a
: to make minor changes in
had to modify his plan
b
: to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end
the wing of a bird is an arm modified for flying

intransitive verb

: to undergo change
modifiable adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for modify

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different.

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

alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Examples of modify in a Sentence

We can help you modify an existing home or build a new one. He modified the recipe by using oil instead of butter. She has modified her views on the matter. The design was modified to add another window. We played a modified version of our favorite game. Adjectives usually modify nouns, and adverbs usually modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. In the phrase “a red hat,” the adjective “red” modifies the noun “hat.”
Recent Examples on the Web Commercial seeds, depending on the corporation, may also be treated with insecticides, fungicides, or genetically modified, which may be important to you. Tamara Yakaboski, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2024 The changes do not modify their sentences or convictions. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Fraternity and sorority members were initially barred from speaking to recruits at all; that order was subsequently modified to allow conversations unrelated to Greek life. Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Okun’s misery index was modified by Harvard professor Robert Barro in 1996, by including the 30-year government bond yield and the difference between the long-term-trend rate of real GDP growth and the actual rate of real GDP growth. Steve H. Hanke, National Review, 14 Mar. 2024 Cooper's decision, however, noted that the Legislature modified Proposition 203 to allow parents of English learners to seek waivers from structured English immersion instruction. Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 The mechanics of the gun became a central subject of Ms. Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, as experts shared their conclusions on whether the gun could have gone off without pulling the trigger or whether it had been modified before reaching the set. Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 As a result of the construction, the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau has modified its annual Jeep the Mac event, cutting the bridge crossing. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 11 Mar. 2024 Recipes reflect traditional or recommended methods of preparation, but they can be modified in just about every way, such as using decaffeinated beans or nondairy milk. Nick Mourtoupalas, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English modifien, from Anglo-French modifier, from Latin modificare to measure, moderate, from modus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near modify

Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modify

verb
mod·​i·​fy ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
modified; modifying
1
: to make changes in : alter
modify a plan
2
: to lower or reduce in amount or degree : moderate
3
: to limit in meaning : qualify
in the phrase "green gloves," "green" modifies "gloves"
modifiable adjective

Medical Definition

modify

transitive verb
mod·​i·​fy ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce modify (audio)
modified; modifying
: to make a change in
modify behavior by the use of drugs
modifiability noun
plural modifiabilities
modifiable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on modify

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