as in to regulate
to make changes to (something) in order to keep a desirable balance, proportion, etc.
He takes insulin to modulate his blood sugar levels. She kept talking during the performance, making no effort to modulate her voice.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 modulate
But their specific details and strictness have modulated between political administrations in recent years.
—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
1 June 2026
Hormones also modulate long-term brain function, shaping new synapses and circuits that leave a lifelong blueprint for behaviour.
—
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Designer Sherrice Mojgani carefully modulates the lighting to isolate the narrative cutaways.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Calming involves controlling your internal biological responses, such as lowering your heart rate and breathing rate, and modulating your outward behavior.
—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
1 June 2026
Hormones also modulate long-term brain function, shaping new synapses and circuits that leave a lifelong blueprint for behaviour.
—
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Designer Sherrice Mojgani carefully modulates the lighting to isolate the narrative cutaways.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Calming involves controlling your internal biological responses, such as lowering your heart rate and breathing rate, and modulating your outward behavior.
—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
-
The clinical version dates to research in the 1960s and 1970s, when devices tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension and skin temperature to help people regulate what was once considered automatic.
-
The chronic disease, which impairs the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar, contributed to 94,445 deaths that year.
Verb
-
Organizers of celebrations months in the making had to adjust or cancel activities entirely as much of the East Coast sweltered under heat that approached and in many cases surpassed triple digits.
-
State and local policymakers should do what’s in the public’s best interest and adjust their alcohol taxation accordingly.
Verb
-
Kyle Schwarber is threatening home run records, even as pitching continues to improve.
-
Jupiter enters your 6th House of Work and Health, encouraging kinder routines that improve well-being and lighten daily tasks.
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
