as in adjusted
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 modulated
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
Bassett transmits the surreal shock of learning that her vows were spoken on shaky ground—and makes over-the-top seem properly modulated.
—Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The researchers suggest this strategy may be shared by other deep-vent species, modulated by the local chemistry of their relevant habitats.
—New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025
The two-term governor has modulated climate policy in some cases, but, in general, has refused to yield to threats from the business community about the costs of action.
—Justin Worland, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
But her singing now is less showy and more nuanced and carefully modulated.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
It is also carefully modulated, meticulously executed.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
These two variables are clearly modulated by the sun’s activity, meaning sunspots.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
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
Bassett transmits the surreal shock of learning that her vows were spoken on shaky ground—and makes over-the-top seem properly modulated.
—Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The researchers suggest this strategy may be shared by other deep-vent species, modulated by the local chemistry of their relevant habitats.
—New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025
The two-term governor has modulated climate policy in some cases, but, in general, has refused to yield to threats from the business community about the costs of action.
—Justin Worland, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
But her singing now is less showy and more nuanced and carefully modulated.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
It is also carefully modulated, meticulously executed.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
These two variables are clearly modulated by the sun’s activity, meaning sunspots.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulated
Verb
-
That limit will be adjusted for cost of living starting in 2027.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Chelsea have adjusted quickly to Liam Rosenior.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For example, trade of African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) is strictly regulated.—
Eve Bohnett,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
At the same time, fortification is voluntary and only regulated for safety and labeling accuracy.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The full inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
-
An error in an application cannot be corrected after the deadline.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The crucial employment snapshot is slightly delayed because of the brief government shutdown and will show whether the trajectory improved for the US labor market, which has been stuck in a low-hire and low-fire lull.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Jimmy Wales, the site’s other co-founder, has also been in the news, promoting his new book, The Seven Rules of Trust, which argues that society would be greatly improved if more people and organizations adopted the Wikipedia ethos.—
Imogen West-Knights,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulated. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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