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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulated
Verb
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Google, Meta, Microsoft’s LinkedIn, and Elon Musk’s X have all delayed, adjusted, or flat-out refused to launch AI products because of the bloc’s laws.—
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What’s more, your defense adjusted, digging in its heels, getting to Northwestern’s running backs closer to the line of scrimmage so that the Wildcats gained only 28 yards on the ground in the second half after rushing for 102 in the first.—
Verb
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There’s a kind of social contract under which utilities operate essentially as monopolies to provide a public service and in exchange are regulated.—
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The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.—
Verb
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Powell corrected Trump in front of reporters about the cost of the project, with the tension between the two men palpable.—
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The full inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations.—
Verb
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Better yet, my hair-shedding has greatly improved.—
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Louisville improved to 6-0 all-time in Coral Gables, and the eight-game winning streak is the Cardinals' longest since a 15-game streak during the 2021-22 season.—
Cite this Entry
“Modulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulated. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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