self-regulate

verb

self-reg·​u·​late ˌself-ˈre-gyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce self-regulate (audio)
 also  -ˈrā-
self-regulated; self-regulating; self-regulates
1
intransitive : to regulate oneself or itself
allowing markets to self-regulate
… noted the overwhelming lack of public trust in the financial services industry's ability to self-regulate effectively …Sally Rose
The idea is that the kids learn how to manage and self-regulate.Cheyenne Derksen Schroeder
2
transitive : to control or govern (something) for or by oneself
… was hired by the motion picture industry to head up a new body to self-regulate the movies.Katharine Monk
the ability of the child to self-regulate her behavior
… a horse who is permitted to self-regulate his intake will eat only what his body needs.Juliet M. Getty
self-regulative
ˌself-ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tiv How to pronounce self-regulate (audio)
 also  -ˈrā-
adjective
self-regulative processes

Examples of self-regulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the 1990s, many believed the market was self-regulating and inherently peace-promoting. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025 The specifications of the Fission Surface Power Project called for a system that weighs just 6 tons, can fit into a cylinder 13 feet in diameter and 20 feet long, and can work for 10 years, self-regulated, with no maintenance or refuelling required. Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 That would motivate them to self-regulate those bloated salaries and keep stronger controls on spending. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025 Unlike hard seawalls that require frequent re-profiling, the natural marsh platform self-regulates. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-regulate

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-regulate was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Self-regulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-regulate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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