What term describes the deliberate addition, removal, or change to something?

The correct term that describes the deliberate addition, removal, or change to something is modification. Modification involves altering or adjusting an object, system, or environment to suit specific needs or objectives, and can apply in various contexts, such as construction, technology, or ecology.

In contrast, vandalism refers specifically to the intentional destruction or damage to property, which does not focus on constructive changes but rather on harmful actions. Restoration emphasizes returning something to its original condition, often after damage or deterioration, while preservation pertains to maintaining something in its existing state to prevent decay or loss. Thus, modification is distinctly about making intentional changes, rather than the negative connotations associated with vandalism or the more passive processes of restoration and preservation.