► change the process or result of something or someone becoming different: Don’t make any major changes just yet. The new owners have promised to implement sweeping changes at the company.
► alteration a change made to something, especially a small change which makes it different but not completely different. Alteration sounds more formal than change: She made some last-minute alterations to her speech.
► adjustment a small change you make to something such as a machine, system, or the way something looks: We have had to make some adjustments to our original calculations.
► modification a small change made to something in order to improve it or to make it more appropriate for a particular purpose: The car is the same as the old model, except for a few modifications to the engine.
► transformation a complete change in something, especially so that there is great improvement: The transformation of the old industrial waterfront included construction of a new public park.
► conversion the act of changing something completely so that it has a different form or purpose: The old warehouse is undergoing a conversion into apartments.
► reform a change made to a law, system, organization, etc. so that it is fairer or more effective: The president has introduced reforms in the health care system.
► amendment a change made to a law or to an important document to correct or improve it: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects your right to free speech.