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Some common synonyms of modify<\/em> are alter<\/em><\/a>, change<\/em><\/a>, and vary<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to make or become different,\" modify<\/em> suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.<\/p>

\/\/ modified<\/em> the building for use by the disabled<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'alter' be used instead of 'modify'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of alter<\/em><\/a> and modify<\/em> largely overlap; however, alter<\/em> implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.<\/p>

\/\/ slightly altered<\/em> the original design<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'change' instead of 'modify'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words change<\/em><\/a> and modify<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, change<\/em> implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.<\/p>

\/\/ changed<\/em> the shirt for a larger size<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'vary' be a good substitute for 'modify'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words vary<\/em><\/a> and modify<\/em> have much in common, vary<\/em> stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.<\/p>

\/\/ vary<\/em> your daily routine<\/p>" } } ] }

modify

verb

ˈmä-dÉ™-ËŒfÄ« How to pronounce modify (audio)
Definition of modifynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 modify They were modified, reproduced, and outfitted in showy décor, becoming a key way of getting around for working-class Filipinos. —ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 The judge stressed how Gastineau’s contract to appear on the 30 for 30 didn’t grant him veto power over content and, in fact, gave NFL Productions the right to modify the film to suit production needs. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026 On March 17, the city council and zoning and planning commission approved a permit request to modify the existing Chick-fil-A lot to improve the drive-thru traffic. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026 Categorizes your expenses Yes, but users can modify. —Harlan Vaughn, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for modify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify
  1. alter
  2. change
  3. qualify
  4. remodel
  5. transform
Verb
  • As a result, the conditions under which atoms emit light are slightly altered.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The Jayhawks’ loss has been the Red Storm’s program-altering gain.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • Invite a calm talk about time commitments, because fairness grows when expectations are measurable and both sides understand what happens if plans change.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Abril’s trial was initially scheduled to begin a year ago but was delayed after Abril changed his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity in February 2025.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • The Heat, which has needed to qualify for the playoffs through the NBA’s play-in tournament in each of the last three seasons, needs to finish among the East’s top six teams to clinch a playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The reality is that almost any pitch in deGrom’s arsenal could qualify for this list, but given the exceptionally high response rate for one in particular, his four-seam fastball is the winner.
    — Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of qualify
Verb
  • Several luxury vehicles were parked outside, and the property appeared recently remodeled, the outlet reported.
    — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The New Hampshire developer that’s already converting a pair of vacant office buildings into 171 apartments is now looking to remodel part of the Griffin Road office park into 96 more rental units.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of remodel
Verb
  • And best of all, in my opinion, the old Writers Bar, which was barely a bar at all and hardly worth writing about, has been shifted to the front of the main building, greatly expanded and transformed into one of the most charming bars in a city that is full of charming bars.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Researchers in Korea have unveiled a breakthrough in smart materials that could transform space, robotics and deployable structures.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of transform

Browse Nearby Words

modifies
modify
modifying
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Cite this Entry

“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modify. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of modify for Spanish Speakers

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