REGULATE Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

regulate

verb

ˈre-gyə-ˌlāt

Definition of regulate

as in to control

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you would be well advised to regulate your enthusiasm for the venture and pause to consider the risk involved

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about the government agency that regulates the nuclear power industry in this country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of regulate Experts believe Lula’s recent reelection means the push to regulate tech companies in Brazil will only grow. — semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026 The mass backlash is not just about utility costs or other data center fears, Montoya-Boyer suggested, but instead stemmed from a call from voters to regulate AI. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026 Instead, the governor directed state agencies in an executive order to regulate the industry. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 Pulsetto’s vagus nerve stimulator is one of an emerging category of at-home consumer devices promising to regulate the nervous system and brain. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulate

Verb

To control their size, they can be cut back by up to a third of their mass once per year, which can be done in a post-blooming period of rest, such as in late autumn, without sacrificing next year’s blooms.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026
Novak put the Pens ahead less than two minutes after the opening faceoff after controlling a rebound in front.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of control

Verb

The Rams still managed to rack up 513 yards of offense on the Broncos, including several big plays in which a Rams receiver was wide open, or several Bronco defenders missed tackles that turned a short gain into a big play.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
And our research at Xero shows that owners spend nearly 22 hours a month on finance alone—just tracking and managing money.

— Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

Cole is widely expected to supervise Raman’s transition team, sharing those duties with Andrea Conant, chief of staff for Raman’s council office.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Especially at small companies, managers are often tasked with supervising the hiring process on top of their regular duties.

— Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of supervise

Verb

Authorities then introduced localized curfews in multiple cities in a bid to curb the unrest.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Inflation and economic pressure have led more Americans to eat at home or turn to fast food for a cheaper option, while the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic has curbed customers’ appetites.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of curb

Verb

The complication is that about 95% of the world’s 46,000 McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees — and some have pushed back against a proposal that could require $650,000 to $800,000 of investment per store.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The rail line, operating since 1888, has always been vulnerable to the ocean’s wrath due to its location — but its beachfront property is also one of its main draws for riders seeking a scenic trip down Southern California’s iconic coast.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of operate

Verb

The relevant market identifies the arena in which competition allegedly has been restrained.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Sheriff’s officials said deputies arrived about three minutes after the initial call and found the suspect on the ground being physically restrained by the home’s resident and the caller.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of restrain

Verb

The state superintendent of public instruction, until now, was tasked with overseeing the California Department of Education and executing the state Board of Education’s policies.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Hedge fund manager Aaron Sosnick, who has advocated for an expansion in the city’s bike lane network, put $8 million into a pair of committees that have promoted Raman, including the one overseen by the carpenters.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of oversee

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regulars

regulate

regulated

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Style

“Regulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of regulate

verb

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