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 Biden is reportedly scrapping the pending regulations so the Trump administration can’t come in and easily modify the plans to move forward measures that could harm student loan forgiveness. —

Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024 Candy-makers have responded by shrinking the size of the products, modifying recipes and leaning heavier into non-chocolate offerings. —

Alicia Wallace, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024 Perhaps most awaited in this final update is Safehouse Customization, which lets players modify their preferred base, cleaning up debris, building beds, tables and storage, and even picture frames to hang the photos the camera took on the wall. —

Jason Bennett, arkansasonline.com, 15 Dec. 2024 Push-ups help build upper body strength and can be modified to suit different fitness levels.7 To do: Start in a plank position. —

Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify

Verb

However, hormonal changes, especially related to the menstrual cycle, can alter this temperature regulation, causing women to need more time to reach restful sleep.

Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024
But Kiper and the other experts say the camera card was likely altered between April 11, 2019, and June 11, 2019, while in FBI custody.

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024