modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
with some modifications this statement is true todayJ. B. Conant
2
3
a
: the making of a limited change in something
making the exactly minimum degree of modification to her institutions necessary to fit them to new conditionsJohn Strachey
also : the result of such a change
b
: a change in an organism caused by environmental factors
4
: a limitation or qualification (see qualification sense 1) of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

Examples of modification in a Sentence

The program can be used on all computers without modification. They passed the law with only a few minor modifications. The weather required some major modifications to our travel plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rather than automatically raising costs in response to market changes, leaders should consider other methods before making concrete modifications to how the company currently operates. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Committee Deliberations: The bill faced setbacks in the House Budget Committee but was advanced after modifications, including earlier implementation of Medicaid work requirements and reduced clean energy subsidies. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 In a prolonged round of bipartisan negotiations over the bill, Republicans steadfastly refused to consider adding any provision to rein in Mr. Trump’s involvement in the industry, or make any modification that could interfere with his or his family’s ability to benefit. Robert Jimison, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' passes House Budget Committee vote The speaker on Monday expressed confidence in the House's consensus-building operation as lawmakers make modifications to the bill. John Parkinson, ABC News, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for modification

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modification was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Modification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modification. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
a
: the act of modifying
b
: the state of being modified
2
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
3
: the result of modifying : partial change
modification of plans

Medical Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the act or result of modifying something
2
: a change in an organism that is not inherited and that is caused by the influence of its environment

More from Merriam-Webster on modification

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