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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in changing
to make different in some way he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly
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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 Doctors recommend starting a yoga practice slowly, ideally with an instructor, and modifying poses if needed. —
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026 On the other hand, modifying gravity — according to the MOND prescription — introduces a new fundamental acceleration scale that shows up importantly at small cosmic accelerations. —Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026 These digital signals act as a substitute for natural pheromones, allowing the robots to coordinate their actions by sensing and modifying their surroundings in a continuous feedback loop. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 The brothers originally developed SafeWrap for hospitals and psychiatric patients, later modifying it for law enforcement's use of force encounters nationwide. —Janay Reece, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 The liberals on the County Board of Supervisors are floating the idea of modifying its policy on reserves so as to make a substantial portion of this money available for ongoing operational expenses. —Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 At Tuesday’s meeting, Stillwell was unable to secure sufficient support for a moratorium on data centers in Sugar Grove, but the board did find some consensus on establishing zoning changes while the village looks at modifying its existing regulations. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Parents are paying attention For parents facing accusations of irresponsible gun practices, the potential loss of custody should provide a strong incentive for modifying their gun behavior. —Marcia Zug, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026 The Navy is now considering modifying a class of Coast Guard cutters that would lack basic armaments such as vertical tubes for launching a variety of anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles. —Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026 On the other hand, modifying gravity — according to the MOND prescription — introduces a new fundamental acceleration scale that shows up importantly at small cosmic accelerations. —Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026 These digital signals act as a substitute for natural pheromones, allowing the robots to coordinate their actions by sensing and modifying their surroundings in a continuous feedback loop. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 The brothers originally developed SafeWrap for hospitals and psychiatric patients, later modifying it for law enforcement's use of force encounters nationwide. —Janay Reece, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 The liberals on the County Board of Supervisors are floating the idea of modifying its policy on reserves so as to make a substantial portion of this money available for ongoing operational expenses. —Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 At Tuesday’s meeting, Stillwell was unable to secure sufficient support for a moratorium on data centers in Sugar Grove, but the board did find some consensus on establishing zoning changes while the village looks at modifying its existing regulations. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Parents are paying attention For parents facing accusations of irresponsible gun practices, the potential loss of custody should provide a strong incentive for modifying their gun behavior. —Marcia Zug, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026 The Navy is now considering modifying a class of Coast Guard cutters that would lack basic armaments such as vertical tubes for launching a variety of anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles. —Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modifying
Verb
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In those cases, 11 of the patients died and others are living with life-altering health problems, according to the lawsuits.— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
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While the initial move into smartphones posed a risk to Apple's device margins, the gamble paid off through what would become a massive industry-altering phenomenon.— Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For the second time this week, the state Senate spent hours discussing complicated technology legislation, with lawmakers once again advancing a bill over strong objections that regulating rapidly changing technology could negatively affect local businesses.— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
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These advances are changing the relationship that businesses and consumers have with financial services.— Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Reiten has been recognized by publications such as The Guardian as being among the top 100 players in the world, qualifying her as a High Impact Player.— Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
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Aisha Ford is an award-winning filmmaker whose latest short, Brownies, executive produced by Spike Lee, earned her the best director award at the Academy Award-qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora.— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Smaller restaurants would also likely struggle to sustain the rent needed for a space that size, Edwards said, and costs like remodeling older kitchens could cost $500,000 to $1 million.— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
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The project includes modifying interior space on the independent-living portion of the property at the basement level, minimal facade changes, new doors and windows, remodeling an existing unit that was abandoned and exterior improvements to site ramps.— Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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California hit back hard by reworking its districts to flip five GOP seats in the deep-blue Golden State.— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
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Lyra Pramuk has announced an EP reworking songs from last year’s Hymnal.— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/modifying. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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