equal vs modify

equal is a noun but modify is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
equal	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
modify	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, modify is a hypernym of equal; that is, modify is a word with a broader meaning than equal:

Other hypernyms of equal include alter, change.

equal (noun)	modify (noun)
a person who is of equal standing with another in a group

equal (adjective)	modify (adjective)
having the same quantity, value, or measure as another
having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

equal (verb)	modify (verb)
make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching	make less severe or harsh or extreme
be identical or equivalent to	add a modifier to a constituent
be equal to in quality or ability	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation