modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmä-də-ˌfī 
modified; modifying
1
: to make less extreme : moderate
traffic rules were modified to let him pass—
Van Wyck Brooks
Van Wyck Brooks2
a
: to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction
In the phrase "the red hat," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "hat."
b
: to change (a vowel) by umlaut
3
a
: to make minor changes in
had to modify his plan
b
: to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end
the wing of a bird is an arm modified for flying
: to undergo change
Examples of modify in a Sentence
We can help you modify an existing home or build a new one.
He modified the recipe by using oil instead of butter.
She has modified her views on the matter.
The design was modified to add another window.
We played a modified version of our favorite game.
Adjectives usually modify nouns, and adverbs usually modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
In the phrase “a red hat,” the adjective “red” modifies the noun “hat.”
Recent Examples on the Web
So, grocery stores and retailers across the country, including those in Greater Cincinnati, will likely have modified hours on Thursday, Nov. 28.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2024
Many have modified hours on the holiday, so check social media or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
Karlsson, Rust, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin have full-no movement clauses and other thirty-somethings like Rickard Rakell and Kevin Hayes have modified no-trade clauses.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Graves aimed the gun at his uncle's legs, but the weapon was modified to be fully automatic and the recoil of the weapon led to him shooting his uncle in the abdomen.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modify 
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Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2024
Many have modified hours on the holiday, so check social media or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
Karlsson, Rust, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin have full-no movement clauses and other thirty-somethings like Rickard Rakell and Kevin Hayes have modified no-trade clauses.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Graves aimed the gun at his uncle's legs, but the weapon was modified to be fully automatic and the recoil of the weapon led to him shooting his uncle in the abdomen.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modify
Articles Related to modify
Dictionary Entries Near modify
Cite this Entry
“Modify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modify
verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
1
: to make changes in : alter
modify a plan
2
: to lower or reduce in amount or degree : moderate
3
: to limit in meaning : qualify
in the phrase "green gloves," "green" modifies "gloves"
Medical Definition
modify
transitive verb
mod·i·fy
ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī
modified; modifying
: to make a change in
modify behavior by the use of drugs
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