as in to regulate
to make changes to (something) in order to keep a desirable balance, proportion, etc.
He takes insulin to modulate his blood sugar levels. She kept talking during the performance, making no effort to modulate her voice.
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Recent Examples of modulate
Lopatin’s score modulated between tension and unbearable anxiety until its poignant (Iggy Pop–assisted) catharsis.
—
Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
That insight didn’t lead him to modulate his tone.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The robot autonomously handles uncertainties, such as variations in material positioning and connection points, dynamically adjusting its posture and modulating force during the insertion and removal of flexible wiring harnesses.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
In workplaces, men learn to modulate.
—John Casey, Them., 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
That insight didn’t lead him to modulate his tone.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The robot autonomously handles uncertainties, such as variations in material positioning and connection points, dynamically adjusting its posture and modulating force during the insertion and removal of flexible wiring harnesses.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
In workplaces, men learn to modulate.
—John Casey, Them., 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
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The court’s eventual ruling could have broad implications for how schools nationwide regulate transgender participation in athletics.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Jan. 2026
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Additionally, sprouted whole-grain bread is significantly higher in blood-pressure-regulating minerals such as magnesium than bread made with refined white flour.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In addition to being moisture-wicking, the shearling lining helps to naturally adjust to your body’s temperature, keeping feet cool and dry.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Carolina Panthers’ defense improved in almost every major statistical category from 2024 to 2025.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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Tapascott said everything improves when weight drops, from acceleration to braking and efficiency.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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