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

Examples 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 The app lets users easily modify, align, and reflow their handwritten text: Think of it like resizing a text box, only with handwriting instead of a computer font. —

Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 2 Nov. 2024 In 2012, Proposition 36 modified the law to require that all three offenses be serious or violent. —

Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Kimsey said his office will be modifying its ballot retrieval schedule in response to the incident. —

Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Talk to your doctor about modifying dosages, and monitor your blood pressure. —

Sam Tupper, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify

Verb

That race determines the successor to retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., who caucuses with Democrats, meaning a Gallego win doesn’t significantly alter the partisan balance in the Senate.

Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024
In other words, philosophy can alter a tedious and tiring conversation into a fresh and stimulating one.

Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024