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
It’s backed by more than 56,000 five-star reviews and several Southern Living editors due to its innovative design that tames frizz, adds volume and shine, and reduces breakage all while effectively drying and styling your luscious locks.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
The addition of a deeply hued wine reduction, like balsamic vinegar from another world, tames what could have been a dish that ate too sweet.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Straight out of the box, this extra-toasty cereal seems too sweet, but a splash of milk tames the sugar, and the squares don’t dissolve into mush in a bowl with milk.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
The silk texture tames any flyaways without weighing the hair down.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026
The star ingredient, agave extract, locks in moisture and tames frizz, while wheat protein and sweet almond oil help soften your strands.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
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
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
The addition of a deeply hued wine reduction, like balsamic vinegar from another world, tames what could have been a dish that ate too sweet.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Straight out of the box, this extra-toasty cereal seems too sweet, but a splash of milk tames the sugar, and the squares don’t dissolve into mush in a bowl with milk.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
The silk texture tames any flyaways without weighing the hair down.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026
The star ingredient, agave extract, locks in moisture and tames frizz, while wheat protein and sweet almond oil help soften your strands.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tames
Verb
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The move by the Bar Standards Board, which regulates lawyers practicing in England and Wales, is the latest challenge Khan is facing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
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This matters because humans have a direct neural pathway from the eyes to the brain region that regulates the circadian rhythm, our internal biological clock governing wakefulness and sleep.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Bar soap contains fatty acids that react with certain minerals, especially those in hard water.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
-
The report compiled by the Star-Telegram contains data from June 7-13 and 98 inspections.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation offers buildable coverage in a velvet-soft formula that blurs the look of pores, keeps shine in check, and never feels cakey.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 June 2026
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Dry, chapped lips aren’t just an issue in the winter, so this leave-on lip mask is a nourishing treatment that keeps your lips soft and supple year-round.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Remarkably, state law also severely restrains cities and counties from setting their own regulations, giving local leaders little sway over local gun policies.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
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The result is an economic model that favors producers, restrains consumers, and floods international markets with supercheap exports, including steel, solar panels, and electric vehicles.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
China controls roughly 90% of the global bismuth supply.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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Well, first, yes, Iran controls the strait.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Verb
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Cardboard suppresses weeds, enriches soil, and is useful for new garden beds as sheet mulching or a base layer.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
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There is no reason to think that the money will flow to schools and hospitals or provide any benefit to the Iranian people that the regime still suppresses.—
Daniel B. Shapiro,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Micromanagement stifles creativity, motivation, and productivity.—
Maria Ross,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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That stifles competition at home and, with China’s dependence on global consumption, raises concerns about dumping and deflation abroad.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tames. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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