as in regulates
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 modulates
In doing so, poetry modulates our neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, circulatory, and other systems to bring back healing.
—
K.j.s. “sunny” Anand, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
While the Earth system is unfathomably complex, Mills has been able to reproduce the broad trajectory of our climate over the ages by turning just four knobs — each of which modulates the carbon dioxide budget.
—Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
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
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
Coating the film with transparent electrodes enabled them to excite the crystal, setting up an acoustic standing wave that modulates the intensity of light passing through it.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Apr. 2022
K.j.s. “sunny” Anand, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
While the Earth system is unfathomably complex, Mills has been able to reproduce the broad trajectory of our climate over the ages by turning just four knobs — each of which modulates the carbon dioxide budget.
—Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
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
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
Coating the film with transparent electrodes enabled them to excite the crystal, setting up an acoustic standing wave that modulates the intensity of light passing through it.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Apr. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulates
Verb
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Here’s a helpful primer about what hormones do, how your body regulates them, and tips for supporting your hormone health in ways that actually work.—
Rachel Reiff Ellis,
SELF,
23 Jan. 2026
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The old guard is crumbling, as the NCAA no longer regulates the economic exchange of value between schools and their players—not to mention the outside intervention of third-party interests.—
Dr. Marcus Collins,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But organizers said that the leaner program reflected a strategic reallocation of budget resources rather than a tightening of the belt as the trade show adjusts to a more cautious, fragmented global fashion market.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
5 Feb. 2026
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The metering system automatically adjusts how long motorists are held before entering the highway depending on traffic conditions, Liccardo said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This balancing service corrects the weight distribution of the tire and reduces vibrations from the road while driving.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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In a statement to the Free Press, attorneys said the settlement corrects the bathroom issue and more.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If a parent or roommate brings up an old issue, thank them for caring, then suggest a small step that improves daily life.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
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Marula and cacay oils supply skin with fatty acids and antioxidants that help support elasticity, while rosehip oil improves the look of tone and texture.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulates. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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