A modified whale optimization algorithm (MWOA) with dynamic leader selection mechanism and novel population updating procedure is introduced for pattern synthesis of linear antenna array. The current best solution is dynamic changed for each whale agent to overcome premature with local optima in iteration. A hybrid crossover operator is embedded in original algorithm to improve the convergence accuracy of solution. Moreover, the flow of population updating is optimized to balance the exploitation and exploration ability. The modified algorithm is tested on a 28 elements uniform linear antenna array to reduce its side lobe lever and null depth lever. The simulation results show that MWOA algorithm can improve the performance of WOA obviously compared with other algorithms.