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.
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Recent Examples of modulate
Beyond peripheral nerves and the retina, researchers are exploring whether optogenetics could one day help suppress seizures in hard-to-treat epilepsy or modulate abnormal activity in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
—
New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Besides modulating your emotions, serotonin also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so a lack thereof can trigger overeating.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
At startup, the flat-six engine’s titanium exhaust sounds rowdier than that of the average 911, but is modulated enough to make long drives untaxing.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
Lopatin’s score modulated between tension and unbearable anxiety until its poignant (Iggy Pop–assisted) catharsis.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Besides modulating your emotions, serotonin also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so a lack thereof can trigger overeating.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
At startup, the flat-six engine’s titanium exhaust sounds rowdier than that of the average 911, but is modulated enough to make long drives untaxing.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
Lopatin’s score modulated between tension and unbearable anxiety until its poignant (Iggy Pop–assisted) catharsis.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulate
Verb
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One of the major issues was that the federal government did not regulate it, and states and localities operated on different schedules.—
Jordan Green,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
8 Feb. 2026
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This nutrient helps regulate your heartbeat and supports healthy muscle function.—
Zia Sherrell,
Health,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The dining table then attaches and adjusts in between those benches for outdoor dining.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
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The legislation added new tax breaks for 2025, and the IRS did not adjust paycheck withholdings, which could result in refunds for many workers.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Maye’s numbers improved somewhat in the second half but not nearly enough to prevent the Seahawks from claiming a 29-13 victory.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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However, the ability to choose an educational environment that truly fits our child has not only improved their academic performance, but also their overall happiness and outlook on life.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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