as in adjusted
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 modulated
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
Bassett transmits the surreal shock of learning that her vows were spoken on shaky ground—and makes over-the-top seem properly modulated.
—Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The researchers suggest this strategy may be shared by other deep-vent species, modulated by the local chemistry of their relevant habitats.
—New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025
The two-term governor has modulated climate policy in some cases, but, in general, has refused to yield to threats from the business community about the costs of action.
—Justin Worland, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
But her singing now is less showy and more nuanced and carefully modulated.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
It is also carefully modulated, meticulously executed.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
These two variables are clearly modulated by the sun’s activity, meaning sunspots.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
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
Bassett transmits the surreal shock of learning that her vows were spoken on shaky ground—and makes over-the-top seem properly modulated.
—Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The researchers suggest this strategy may be shared by other deep-vent species, modulated by the local chemistry of their relevant habitats.
—New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025
The two-term governor has modulated climate policy in some cases, but, in general, has refused to yield to threats from the business community about the costs of action.
—Justin Worland, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
But her singing now is less showy and more nuanced and carefully modulated.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
It is also carefully modulated, meticulously executed.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
These two variables are clearly modulated by the sun’s activity, meaning sunspots.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulated
Verb
-
New Orleans played without Dejounte Murray (illness), and coach James Borrego adjusted to the starting point guard’s absence by playing Murphy and Herb Jones in the backcourt and giving second-year center Yves Missi his ninth start of the season.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
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That’s up from $6,730 in 1990, or 38% of the EU average and now roughly equal to Japan’s $52,039, according to International Monetary Fund figures measured in today’s dollars and adjusted for Poland’s lower cost of living.—
Claudia Ciobanu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This is because the patches are marketed as supplements, meaning they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or tested rigorously.—
Helena Kudiabor,
SELF,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Gambling is regulated at the state level, and since then a few others have approved Oscar betting — Michigan, Indiana, Arizona, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri and Puerto Rico.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This story has been corrected to show the new president is Ravi Bellamkonda, not Ballamkonda.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The disaster led to a fateful decision that many now believe held the city back — something that will finally be corrected this year, on May 8.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, the surging Hornets improved to 19-6 in their last 25 games after a shaky 16-28 start to the season.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Marcus Johansson had a goal and two assists as Minnesota improved to 3-0 against Chicago this season.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulated. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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