MODULATES Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

modulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of modulate

as in regulates

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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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 modulates Designer Sherrice Mojgani carefully modulates the lighting to isolate the narrative cutaways. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 In doing so, poetry modulates our neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, circulatory, and other systems to bring back healing. — K.j.s. “sunny” Anand, Time, 15 Oct. 2025 While the Earth system is unfathomably complex, Mills has been able to reproduce the broad trajectory of our climate over the ages by turning just four knobs — each of which modulates the carbon dioxide budget. — Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 That’s a big deal because plate tectonics is our master story for how Earth recycles rock, drives volcanism and mountain-building, and modulates climate over geologic time. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025 These scenes are some of the strongest, as Pellerin impressively modulates Matthew’s turn from endearingly cringey to terrifyingly single-minded. — Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025 Coating the film with transparent electrodes enabled them to excite the crystal, setting up an acoustic standing wave that modulates the intensity of light passing through it. — IEEE Spectrum, 21 Apr. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for modulates

Verb

Niacinamide — a multi-functional ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and calms and fades discoloration — is also in the mix.

— Claudia Fisher, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
There’s also research that indicates microplastics cause disruptions to our endocrine system, which regulates our hormones.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulates

Verb

As serotonin remains active longer, the brain adjusts by desensitizing some receptors.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Available in six muted colors, the sheets have a sateen weave that’s soft and smooth, with a bit of stretch to maintain a proper fit even as the bed adjusts.

— V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjusts

Verb

This creates a thin thermal boundary layer and improves heat transfer at the point of impact.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Shorter grass improves seed-to-soil contact and lets more sunlight reach the soil surface for better seed germination.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of improves

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“Modulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modulates. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of modulates

verb

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