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
That’s a big deal because plate tectonics is our master story for how Earth recycles rock, drives volcanism and mountain-building, and modulates climate over geologic time.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
And while ultrasound techniques can modulate the activity of neurons by delivering gentle mechanical pulses that influence how cells send signals, current systems have struggled to reach deeper areas of the brain with sufficient precision—until now.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
These scenes are some of the strongest, as Pellerin impressively modulates Matthew’s turn from endearingly cringey to terrifyingly single-minded.
—Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
People modulate their behavior for different situations, self-correct when held to account, and internalize virtues that inform their decisions.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
And while ultrasound techniques can modulate the activity of neurons by delivering gentle mechanical pulses that influence how cells send signals, current systems have struggled to reach deeper areas of the brain with sufficient precision—until now.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
These scenes are some of the strongest, as Pellerin impressively modulates Matthew’s turn from endearingly cringey to terrifyingly single-minded.
—Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
People modulate their behavior for different situations, self-correct when held to account, and internalize virtues that inform their decisions.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
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While employer support is still low, fewer than 5% offer meaningful programs, more companies are adding improved coverage for hormone therapy, paid time off and even regulating the office thermostat.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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What To Do Instead Adding a little butter or oil to your nonstick pan while preheating can create a buffer that helps regulate the temperature and protect the coating.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some models also feature adaptive noise cancellation to adjust ANC levels and ambient modes to allow specific sounds through, which helps noise control across different environments.—
Jackie Cucco,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Oct. 2025
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Regardless, passengers will be able to control and adjust those settings, the spokesperson said.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As Gabriel improves and the rapport builds, Bond could turn into a fantasy WR4 given his ability.—
Jake Ciely,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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