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
The outcome was InstaGLO, a proprietary alloy and control stack using algorithms to modulate heat in real time.
—
Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Introducing strong electronegative heteroatoms (S and Cl) through axial coordination can significantly alter the symmetry and modulate the electronic structure of the conventional Fe–N4 configuration.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
Over the years, Andrews has garnered comparisons to fellow Arizona native Linda Ronstadt for her rich, clear tone, which can modulate from quivering vibrato to crystalline belt on a dime.
—Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
Beyond peripheral nerves and the retina, researchers are exploring whether optogenetics could one day help suppress seizures in hard-to-treat epilepsy or modulate abnormal activity in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Introducing strong electronegative heteroatoms (S and Cl) through axial coordination can significantly alter the symmetry and modulate the electronic structure of the conventional Fe–N4 configuration.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
Over the years, Andrews has garnered comparisons to fellow Arizona native Linda Ronstadt for her rich, clear tone, which can modulate from quivering vibrato to crystalline belt on a dime.
—Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
Beyond peripheral nerves and the retina, researchers are exploring whether optogenetics could one day help suppress seizures in hard-to-treat epilepsy or modulate abnormal activity in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
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The process is regulated by the Illinois School Code, which mandates an April 15 notice deadline for licensed staff and 30 days’ notice prior to the final workday for classified staff, said LeeAnn Betz, the district’s director of communications, strategy and engagement.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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Growers manipulate the growing conditions of the plants by regulating temperature, light and moisture.—
Dawn Pettinelli,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Their focus on youth in recruitment demands that older heads (in relative terms, at least — Neto and Fernandez are 25) can alleviate the pressure while players adjust to Chelsea and, in Gittens’ case, the Premier League.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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McDonald said adjusting to tough competition levels up UCLA.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Ducks improved to 14-3 in games that have gone beyond regulation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
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The Senate is pushing ahead with a bipartisan bill to improve housing affordability, teeing up a critical week for housing on Capitol Hill and raising major questions about what provisions will be included.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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