modulate
verb
mod·u·late
ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt 
modulated; modulating
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper
3
: to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio)
also
: to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam
1
: to play or sing with modulation
2
: to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys
3
: to pass gradually from one state to another
Examples of modulate in a Sentence
Because she doesn't modulate her voice, she sounds the same when she's excited as when she's sad.
The music quickly modulates from its original key, changing the mood of the song.
Recent Examples on the Web
The syrinx modulates these via musculature operating at rates measured in thousandths of a second.
—
The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Those representing your brand must understand the difference and modulate accordingly.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Two other bedrooms on the upper level feature wooden shutters for modulating light and air, and one of them has a bathroom lined with funky green tiles.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 July 2024
Tulsa Remote also continues to modulate its cohort size to adjust to the housing available.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modulate 
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.
The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Those representing your brand must understand the difference and modulate accordingly.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Two other bedrooms on the upper level feature wooden shutters for modulating light and air, and one of them has a bathroom lined with funky green tiles.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 July 2024
Tulsa Remote also continues to modulate its cohort size to adjust to the housing available.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modulate
Dictionary Entries Near modulate
Cite this Entry
“Modulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modulate
verb
mod·u·late
ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt
modulated; modulating
1
: to tune to a key or pitch
2
: to adjust or regulate to the proper proportion
3
: to vary a quality (as frequency or amplitude) of an electromagnetic wave for the transmission of information (as by radio)
Medical Definition
modulate
transitive verb
mod·u·late
ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt
modulated; modulating
: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion
modulate an immune response
modulate cell activity
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share