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
Interestingly, the entanglement levels can be modulated on demand through these vibrations.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
At other times, the cloak reads as an exterior, modulated, flowing sculptural layer—almost like a cloud that envelops the building, as with the Luma Tower in Arles, France.
—Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 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
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
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
At other times, the cloak reads as an exterior, modulated, flowing sculptural layer—almost like a cloud that envelops the building, as with the Luma Tower in Arles, France.
—Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulated
Verb
-
April’s numbers – bosses added 115,000 workers, adjusted for seasonal swings – were seen by many economic gurus as a surprising increase amid a war with Iran and its resulting ballooning energy costs.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
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And by then, the list HR is working from has been quietly adjusted and your name is no longer on it.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Earlier this year the company released a REST API that lets regulated financial platforms bolt blockchain wallet functionality onto their existing products.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
How Shift Work Disrupts Your Body Clock The circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour internal clock regulated primarily by light.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Those qualities – the handheld instability, the textural grain – were not flaws to be corrected but signatures to be honored.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
If this is indeed corrected by the league, Clark would have only the sixth 30-point, 10-assist game in WNBA history.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
The mismatch between workers and available jobs—a key barometer of labor market stress—has actually improved since that moment, falling below its pre-pandemic level.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
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The Canadiens haven’t lost consecutive games since mid-March, and improved their playoff record to 6-0 following a loss.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Modulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulated. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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