controlled 1 of 2

Definition of controllednext

controlled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of control
1
2
as in contained
to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of controlled
Adjective
Too bad the script feels less controlled and more directionless when each of these characters go head to head with an increasing body count across several bloody incidents. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 Once the legs are free, slow and controlled motions can help a person gradually reach firmer ground. — Outside, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Troy took advantage of Mizzou’s man coverage to get quick in-routes and slants down the field, and controlled the clock by making progress in the run game. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026 Ladera’s parks and playing fields may feel like public spaces but are controlled by a private homeowners’ association. — Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controlled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controlled
Adjective
  • The statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga.
    — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
  • His restrained demeanor contrasts with Moreno, the brash former car dealer who entered politics as an outsider.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That's a stark contrast to Makary and other recent FDA nominees who have had to divest investments or cut other financial ties with companies regulated by the FDA.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike conventional sports books, which operate on the basis of licenses issued by states, Kalshi and Polymarket argue they are exclusively regulated at a federal level by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If that money train stalls, the effects won’t be contained to tech investors on Wall Street.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • And the sadistic acts 764 perpetrators promote are not always contained to a computer screen.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Smithsonian is independent of the executive branch, governed by a 17-member board led by the chief justice of the Supreme Court and with six members of Congress, three from each party, serving with nine private citizens and the vice president.
    — Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The cruise line also shared that the joint venture will be governed by a board led by Stewart and Liberty.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Since 2018, Hialeah’s libraries operated as their own independent city department, answering directly to the mayor and council rather than sitting under a larger agency.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
  • An onboard safety pilot remained present throughout the flight but never operated the aircraft’s controls.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Both players were so inhibited for the final game of the set that the level of play resembled something from a local park.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • This really is a time to be less inhibited about going out.
    — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Aging pipes must be replaced, leaks prevented, emergencies addressed and critical systems kept operating for homes, schools, hospitals and businesses.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Robert Mugabe, longtime strongman of Zimbabwe, printed money to ensure his party kept control of the country and to finance the nation's deficits.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This documentary drama, created by Elizabeth Marvel and director Lee Sunday Evans, is composed from the verbatim transcripts of these painful proceedings.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Sheik subsequently composed music for several other stage productions, including American Psycho, based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, and Alice by Heart, a Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland adaptation set in London during World War II.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Controlled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controlled. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!