modulate
verb
mod·u·late
ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt 
modulated; modulating
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
a
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion
The kidneys modulate [=regulate] the amount of salt in the body.
b
: to change the sound of (the voice) by making it quieter, lower, higher, etc.
… his mellow voice never had any sharpness in it; modulated as at present, it was calculated rather to soothe than startle slumber.—
Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë3
: to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio)
also
: to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam
1
: to play or sing with modulation
2
: to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys
3
: to pass gradually from one state to another
Examples of modulate in a Sentence
Because she doesn't modulate her voice, she sounds the same when she's excited as when she's sad.
The music quickly modulates from its original key, changing the mood of the song.
Recent Examples on the Web
By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.
—
Gavin Escott,
USA Today,
6 July 2026
The mushroom also contains immune-modulating polysaccharides that may reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
The center adds that reishi contains immune-modulating polysaccharides that may reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation.
—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
Many European nations have worked hard to improve buildings’ energy efficiency, but although insulation can help modulate temperatures in summer as well as winter, many homes have also been made airtight to retain heat.
—
Beth Gardiner,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
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Gavin Escott,
USA Today,
6 July 2026
The mushroom also contains immune-modulating polysaccharides that may reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
The center adds that reishi contains immune-modulating polysaccharides that may reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation.
—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
Many European nations have worked hard to improve buildings’ energy efficiency, but although insulation can help modulate temperatures in summer as well as winter, many homes have also been made airtight to retain heat.
—
Beth Gardiner,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modulate
verb
mod·u·late
ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt
modulated; modulating
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust or regulate to the proper proportion
3
: to vary a quality (as frequency or amplitude) of an electromagnetic wave for the transmission of information (as by radio)
Medical Definition
modulate
transitive verb
mod·u·late
ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt
modulated; modulating
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion
modulate an immune response
modulate cell activity
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