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
It’s made with guayusa (a natural source of L-theanine and caffeine) and gotu kola (for modulating GABA).
—
Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
At other times, the cloak reads as an exterior, modulated, flowing sculptural layer—almost like a cloud that envelops the building, as with the Luma Tower in Arles, France.
—Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Even for women uninterested in modulating their feelings and behavior to fit a societal standard of supportive positivity, perimenopause is presented as a hazard to health and well-being.
—Patricia Bencivenga, STAT, 26 Mar. 2026
Studies suggest that MSCs can interact with immune cells in ways that help modulate inflammatory signaling, without broadly suppressing immune function.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
At other times, the cloak reads as an exterior, modulated, flowing sculptural layer—almost like a cloud that envelops the building, as with the Luma Tower in Arles, France.
—Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Even for women uninterested in modulating their feelings and behavior to fit a societal standard of supportive positivity, perimenopause is presented as a hazard to health and well-being.
—Patricia Bencivenga, STAT, 26 Mar. 2026
Studies suggest that MSCs can interact with immune cells in ways that help modulate inflammatory signaling, without broadly suppressing immune function.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
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Defense attorneys will likely argue that the explosion was a tragic accident, but was unintended — even if the defendants broke rules meant to regulate the sale and storage of fireworks, Parisi said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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The appropriate remedy is congressional overruling of the Marquette case so as to allow the states to regulate loans to their own citizens.—
George Liebmann,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This flexible holder attaches easily to your seatback tray table and adjusts to multiple angles, allowing for hands-free viewing without craning your neck.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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The top is designed with horizontal pleated detailing and cap sleeves, while the bottoms offer a simple, wide-leg silhouette with side pockets and a drawstring to adjust the fit to your liking.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the time of Jaxon’s death, the county was nearing the end of an 18-month corrective action plan aimed at improving oversight and safety within the system.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
20 Apr. 2026
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The new Lewis House will improve inclusivity and accessibility features supporting people of all physical abilities, genders and cultural practices.—
Elliot Mann,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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