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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
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
-
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
-
Though Proust never came to Ireland, his own work also contains echoes of Irish history and culture that epitomize its polymathic, cosmopolitan spirit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Others on the right have been critical of Bad Bunny’s music catalogue, which exclusively contains Spanish songs.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Hot honey salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Daniel, for his part, keeps his feet on the ground amid aspirations for bigger milestones.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
These days, Shane’s dad controls all of his money; paychecks are deposited not in his own account, but in his dad’s.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Israel said the crossing had opened in a test, and the Israeli military agency that controls aid to Gaza said residents could begin crossing Monday.—
Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This spatial separation suppresses charge recombination and lowers reaction energy barriers.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The pattern suppresses storm systems, keeps skies mostly clear and summons above-normal temperatures for days at a time.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
