modulate
verb
mod·u·late
ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt 
modulated; modulating
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper
3
: 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
The approach combines three flexibility elements: compute workloads that can shift timing, cooling systems that can modulate power use, and backup generators that can feed power back to the grid.
—
Jackie Snow, Quartz, 28 May 2025
While the disease mechanism isn't entirely understood, the virus appears to be able to modulate immune responses in humans, causing blood vessels and capillaries in various places in the body to start leaking plasma.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
Studies indicate that the heart contains approximately 40,000 sensory neurites that play a pivotal role in modulating cognitive functions and emotional responses.
—Joseph Sudhip, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
His floor is that of a steady contributor who knows how to modulate his speed to substantial effect.
—Ben Standig, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
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.
Jackie Snow, Quartz, 28 May 2025
While the disease mechanism isn't entirely understood, the virus appears to be able to modulate immune responses in humans, causing blood vessels and capillaries in various places in the body to start leaking plasma.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
Studies indicate that the heart contains approximately 40,000 sensory neurites that play a pivotal role in modulating cognitive functions and emotional responses.
—Joseph Sudhip, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
His floor is that of a steady contributor who knows how to modulate his speed to substantial effect.
—Ben Standig, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share