1
as in altering
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
2
as in changing
to make different in some way
he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 modifying
The team focused on modifying the electrode surface rather than repeatedly adjusting electrolyte formulations.
—
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Tzield would be the first disease-modifying therapy that works to delay stage three type 1 diabetes for children aged 1 and older who currently have stage two of the disease, according to Sanofi.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 Jan. 2026
The future could also bring more diversification in treatments, as many new drugs are in development that could yield new ways to manage weight loss long-term, provide better safety profiles, and combine drugs that target several different appetite-modifying hormones.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
The Board is not modifying its recommendation with respect to the Netflix Merger Agreement.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2025
Domestically, Roosevelt’s progressive reforms—breaking up dozens of monopolies, modifying railroad rates, setting aside public lands for conservation—cut against the long run of industrial oligarchy enjoyed by assorted oil, timber, and coal kings in collusion with their congressional retainers.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
Not later than two years after the date on which the tech is deployed, the TSA must submit to a report to Congress including a description of the tech, an evaluation of its effectiveness, a cost-benefit analysis and recommendations for scaling or modifying the pilot project.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
Morgan Bailey, a partner at Mayer Brown and a former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said the delay, combined with regulatory updates, suggests the State Department is modifying the registration process.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
On October 24, the high court issued an order modifying the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, which lays out rules for judges in the state.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modifying
Verb
-
What changed in the hours between Monday morning and late Tuesday afternoon for Bisciotti to reach the franchise-altering decision?—
-
Long-term projections suggest demographic tipping points in major cities and even nations, altering cultural landscapes and potentially alliance dynamics.—
Verb
-
Strategically using dimmers, light-filtering and -blocking window coverings, and temperature-changing light sources also offer sensory support.—
-
Events like moving to a new neighborhood, buying a new car, changing jobs or even adjusting one’s daily commute can be enough to warrant a review of one’s risks and coverage.—
Verb
-
Something to savor The national title game is more than a week away as UM pulled off the improbable after barely qualifying for the playoffs.—
-
Costco Executive members also get an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases made through Costco Travel.—
Verb
-
The plan includes improving steak quality, enhancing customer service, simplifying the menu, strengthening marketing efforts and remodeling nearly all remaining locations.—
-
The building has served the Russian-speaking community for 20 years, Afanasyev said, and a lot of time has been spent remodeling it.—
Verb
-
The result of at least 2 years of R&D, prototyping, testing and reworking the idea from Band Industries founders Hassane Slaibi and Bassam Jalgha, the concept intrigued me.—
-
Behind closed doors, Swift and her team quietly rebuilt the show during a short break, learning new choreography, reworking sets and keeping it all secret.—
Cite this Entry
“Modifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modifying. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share