modulate
verb (used with object)
to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.
modulated
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past participleof modulate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof modulate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
modulateverb (used with object)to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The brakes have good stopping power and the pedal effort is easily modulated.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026
Aeva’s lidar is a little different from others, using “frequency modulated continuous wave” technology, which means it’s more immune to glare and sunlight and easier to use to calculate the velocity of objects.
From Barron's ● Feb. 26, 2026
It was a carefully modulated message in an area in which she has a double-digit advantage over Trump.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2024
I’m sure we modulated on set and that editorial choices were made to shade it, but everyone knew the target.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2024
“There are ribbons of electromagnetic material in the lining of the bookcases. The strength of those magnets will be modulated by our maglev computer based on the call number you input.”
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein
