MODIFY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

modify

verb

ˈmä-də-ˌfī

Definition of modify next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Users can and are able to modify or issue their own rules within their respective forums, a Reddit spokesperson told USA TODAY on Wednesday. —

Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 Under the Social Security Act, the secretary is authorized to waive or modify certain Medicare, Medicaid and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, requirements. —

Angela Mattie, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2025 The rule, however, could be scrapped or modified by Trump's administration. —

Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2025 To fix this ballooning problem, Germany modified its laws in 1999 to grant birthright citizenship to children whose parents met a residency requirement. —

Marcela Valdes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for modify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify

Verb

Giveaway Entities reserve the right to change, alter, or amend these Official Rules as necessary, in its sole determination, to ensure the fair administration of the Giveaway or to comply with applicable law.

— USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Some might be turned off by Saturday’s performance — the defense allowed 38 points — but that shouldn’t alter the opinion of a group that played well all season despite being shorthanded.

— Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025