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
That second explanation, known as dark matter, was initially favored because the addition of that one ingredient could explain all of the observed physical phenomena on a variety of scales, while modifying gravity required different modifications to align with different scales.
—
Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Redevelopment means modifying the former Sears building to align with Dick’s House of Sports in-store features.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
As a result, liveblog updates interact with each other by correcting or modifying previous updates as the story unfolds.
—Daniel Jackson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The more people start repairing or modifying products themselves, the higher that risk becomes.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
Doctors recommend starting a yoga practice slowly, ideally with an instructor, and modifying poses if needed.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026
These digital signals act as a substitute for natural pheromones, allowing the robots to coordinate their actions by sensing and modifying their surroundings in a continuous feedback loop.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
The brothers originally developed SafeWrap for hospitals and psychiatric patients, later modifying it for law enforcement's use of force encounters nationwide.
—Janay Reece, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
The liberals on the County Board of Supervisors are floating the idea of modifying its policy on reserves so as to make a substantial portion of this money available for ongoing operational expenses.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Redevelopment means modifying the former Sears building to align with Dick’s House of Sports in-store features.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
As a result, liveblog updates interact with each other by correcting or modifying previous updates as the story unfolds.
—Daniel Jackson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The more people start repairing or modifying products themselves, the higher that risk becomes.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
Doctors recommend starting a yoga practice slowly, ideally with an instructor, and modifying poses if needed.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026
These digital signals act as a substitute for natural pheromones, allowing the robots to coordinate their actions by sensing and modifying their surroundings in a continuous feedback loop.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
The brothers originally developed SafeWrap for hospitals and psychiatric patients, later modifying it for law enforcement's use of force encounters nationwide.
—Janay Reece, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
The liberals on the County Board of Supervisors are floating the idea of modifying its policy on reserves so as to make a substantial portion of this money available for ongoing operational expenses.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modifying
Verb
-
Scientists have documented that increasingly brighter nights are altering animal behavior, reproduction cycles and survival.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The family said meeting Pickett was truly life-altering.—
Steve Hartman,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For the second time this week, the state Senate spent hours discussing complicated technology legislation, with lawmakers once again advancing a bill over strong objections that regulating rapidly changing technology could negatively affect local businesses.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
-
These advances are changing the relationship that businesses and consumers have with financial services.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In 2024, President Joe Biden’s administration added SNAP to the list of qualifying programs.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
While the race is a one-night event, there are also three practice rounds held across two days and one qualifying round that takes place the night before the main race.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Smaller restaurants would also likely struggle to sustain the rent needed for a space that size, Edwards said, and costs like remodeling older kitchens could cost $500,000 to $1 million.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The project includes modifying interior space on the independent-living portion of the property at the basement level, minimal facade changes, new doors and windows, remodeling an existing unit that was abandoned and exterior improvements to site ramps.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
California hit back hard by reworking its districts to flip five GOP seats in the deep-blue Golden State.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Lyra Pramuk has announced an EP reworking songs from last year’s Hymnal.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modifying. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
