as in regulates
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
try to tame your language when you're in front of the kids
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Recent Examples of tames
The conditioner’s nourishing formula also tames frizz, boosts moisture, and enhances shine.
—
Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026
Leadfooted drivers in Arizona whose licenses are in jeopardy of being revoked or suspended could someday opt for new technology that tames their speeding habits.
—Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The key is to blanch the slices in the pasta water first, which tames their bitterness, then to give them a quick sear in olive oil, which caramelizes their edges.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025
The fresh piney fragrance of rosemary not only jazzes up boring chicken and tames gamey lamb but also snaps memory back into shape.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
There’s even a nifty dryer attachment that swiftly smooths hair without overexposing it to heat; this is thanks to the Coanda effect, which tames hair without the need to press it against a heated surface, like a flat iron.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
This brow serum tames and defines your brows with its tinted gel and then uses the nourishing serum to promote fuller, healthier brows in the process.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024
Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026
Leadfooted drivers in Arizona whose licenses are in jeopardy of being revoked or suspended could someday opt for new technology that tames their speeding habits.
—Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The key is to blanch the slices in the pasta water first, which tames their bitterness, then to give them a quick sear in olive oil, which caramelizes their edges.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025
The fresh piney fragrance of rosemary not only jazzes up boring chicken and tames gamey lamb but also snaps memory back into shape.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
There’s even a nifty dryer attachment that swiftly smooths hair without overexposing it to heat; this is thanks to the Coanda effect, which tames hair without the need to press it against a heated surface, like a flat iron.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
This brow serum tames and defines your brows with its tinted gel and then uses the nourishing serum to promote fuller, healthier brows in the process.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tames
Verb
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Among his priorities is changing the agency’s name because the Railroad Commission no longer regulates railroads, focusing instead on oil and gas, pipelines, natural gas utilities and certain mining activities.—
Aarón Torres,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Feb. 2026
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The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, which regulates telecommunications, only signed the memorandum in December 2025.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The startup further claims its battery contains no toxic or rare-earth materials and operates over a temperature range from negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
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Beyond the collagen, the formula contains glycerin that strengthens the skin’s natural barrier and naturally draws in moisture.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The new map imposed last fall by Judge Dianna Gibson keeps Salt Lake County almost entirely within one district, instead of dividing the heavily Democratic population center among all four districts, as was previously the case.—
David A. Lieb,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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While the on-site team keeps specific hours, communication remains consistent and responsive throughout the stay.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And most of the officials agreed that the Fed’s key rate is close to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Steering is easy and intuitive and done either through a steering wheel in traditional riding mowers or, in zero-turn mowers, through lap bar that controls the rear wheels.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
22 Feb. 2026
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The players’ union (MLBPA) has repeatedly said a salary cap is a non-starter, and the free-market nature of free agency has always been seen as a necessary counter to the rookie pay scale and arbitration system that controls players’ salaries through the early part of their careers.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This reduces carbon reactivity and suppresses side reactions during high-voltage cycling.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
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The brief court appearance focused on extending a gag order that suppresses the identities of victims and survivors of the attack who have not chosen to identify themselves publicly.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Avoid heavy garden soil, which compacts easily and stifles bulb growth.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
6 Feb. 2026
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Administrative red tape stifles growth Beyond direct financial costs, small business owners are struggling with a sudden increase in bureaucratic red tape.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tames. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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