Synonyms

regulate

American

[reg-yuh-leyt] / ˈrɛg yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

regulated, regulating

to control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc..

The statute is intended to regulate the business practices of architects by establishing a code of professional conduct.

Synonyms:

dispose, arrange, adjust, order, conduct, manage, govern, rule
to adjust to some standard or requirement, as amount, degree, etc..

A film was applied to the windows to help regulate the temperature and reduce glare.

Synonyms:

set, set
to adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation.

If the watch is consistently off, it can be fixed relatively simply by regulating the beat rate.
to put or keep something in good order or within reasonable limits.

Playful interactions with adult caregivers help children develop the ability to regulate their emotions and behavior.

Synonyms:

balance
Biology. to adjust or adapt (a bodily process or function) in response to external stimuli.
Genetics. to control the expression of (a gene or genes).

regulate British

/ ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt /

verb

to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control
to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly
to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

misregulate verb (used with object)
nonregulated adjective
nonregulative adjective
overregulate verb
preregulate verb (used with object)
quasi-regulated adjective
regulative adjective
regulatively adverb
regulatory adjective
reregulate verb (used with object)
unregulated adjective
unregulative adjective
well-regulated adjective

Etymology

Origin of regulate

First recorded in 1620–30, from Late Latin rēgulātus (past participle of rēgulāre “to direct”); regula, -ate ¹

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.

Kalshi is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and says it doesn’t permit bets on wars or assassinations.

From MarketWatch

He had a point, though the drive to regulate AI isn’t partisan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kalshi, which is a U.S.-regulated entity, doesn’t allow bets on wars or assassinations.

From The Wall Street Journal

The State Water Resources Control Board regulates herbicide use on aquatic plants and grants permits with requirements for using these chemicals.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023