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
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
Besides modulating your emotions, serotonin also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so a lack thereof can trigger overeating.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
At startup, the flat-six engine’s titanium exhaust sounds rowdier than that of the average 911, but is modulated enough to make long drives untaxing.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
Lopatin’s score modulated between tension and unbearable anxiety until its poignant (Iggy Pop–assisted) catharsis.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Besides modulating your emotions, serotonin also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so a lack thereof can trigger overeating.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
At startup, the flat-six engine’s titanium exhaust sounds rowdier than that of the average 911, but is modulated enough to make long drives untaxing.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
Lopatin’s score modulated between tension and unbearable anxiety until its poignant (Iggy Pop–assisted) catharsis.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
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One of the major issues was that the federal government did not regulate it, and states and localities operated on different schedules.—
Jordan Green,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
8 Feb. 2026
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This nutrient helps regulate your heartbeat and supports healthy muscle function.—
Zia Sherrell,
Health,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Insufficiencies, sudden collateral demands, and a scramble to adjust bond agreements have become the norm rather than the exception for many.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2026
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Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are highly adjusted to surviving cold temperatures by producing a type of natural antifreeze to prevent their cells from rupturing, according to Moleai.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Maye’s numbers improved somewhat in the second half but not nearly enough to prevent the Seahawks from claiming a 29-13 victory.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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However, the ability to choose an educational environment that truly fits our child has not only improved their academic performance, but also their overall happiness and outlook on life.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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