modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmä-də-ˌfī 
modified; modifying
1
: to make less extreme : moderate
traffic rules were modified to let him pass—
Van Wyck Brooks
Van Wyck Brooks2
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
: to undergo change
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
When proteins are modified, the glow provides a visual signal, letting researchers monitor biological activity without breaking open cells or adding disruptive chemicals.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
The State Department regularly updates and modifies travel advisories based on current events, geopolitical issues, and analysis of overall threat risks.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
The habitat-modifying keystone species play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem supporting the health and dispersal of wildlife and other native plants.
—John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Even minor problems, like needing regulator approval to modify a component midway through, can lead to long delays and can cause borrowing costs to skyrocket.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
The State Department regularly updates and modifies travel advisories based on current events, geopolitical issues, and analysis of overall threat risks.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
The habitat-modifying keystone species play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem supporting the health and dispersal of wildlife and other native plants.
—John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Even minor problems, like needing regulator approval to modify a component midway through, can lead to long delays and can cause borrowing costs to skyrocket.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modify
Cite this Entry
“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
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"
Medical Definition
modify
transitive verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
: to make a change in
modify behavior by the use of drugs
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