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 While the open source research agent does not yet match OpenAI's performance, its release gives developers free access to study and modify the technology. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2025 Typically, those admin privileges could give someone the power to log into servers through secure shell access, navigate the entire file system, change user permissions, and delete or modify critical files. —

Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 4 Feb. 2025 Investigators found that the door to the plane had been modified. —

Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025 This requirement will force health care providers to either significantly modify their services or seek alternative funding sources, potentially creating gaps in essential health services in vulnerable communities. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for modify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modify

Verb

The latter type of metamorphosis creates issues that can’t be easily altered, for instance, shortening a now too-long coat that no longer drapes over a gut.

— Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2025
But researchers are still trying to understand exactly how the fungus alters and affects the brains of spiders to control them.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025