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 Jan. 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 Jan. 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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According to Spark Biomedical, this stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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The commission regulates taxi rates, towing companies and aspects of ride-share companies, such as licensing, permits and safety requirements.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Use Paint to Refresh Cracked Wood Start by cleaning the wood with hot, soapy water that contains a degreasing agent.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
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DeFi advocates also want to ensure the market structure bill contains language allowing individuals to self-custody their crypto.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter This Utopia Bedding comforter keeps my bed looking super fluffy and cloud-like and gives my bedroom an expensive look.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Leave it to one of the best luggage brands to come out with a revolutionary zipper that is three times stronger than a traditional zipper, as well as an anti-microbial lining that keeps odor-causing bacteria from thriving.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
SHELLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Molochnikov’s Extremist, backed by Ben Stiller and John Lesher, is a resonant anti-war short that shows what happens when activism collides with an authoritarian regime that suppresses human rights and other freedoms.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
11 Jan. 2026
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When enforcement actions sweep through a community, fear suppresses economic activity almost overnight.—
Anabel Mendoza,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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Over-regulation stifles American growth and aids China in this crucial race for global strength.—
Samuel Field,
Boston Herald,
25 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tames. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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