controlled

adjective

con·​trolled kən-ˈtrōld How to pronounce controlled (audio)
Synonyms of controllednext
1
: restrained
2
: regulated by law with regard to possession and use
controlled substances

Examples of controlled in a Sentence

Instead of arguing, they talked in a calm, controlled manner. The test was done under controlled conditions. The polar bears at the zoo live in a controlled environment.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Once the legs are free, slow and controlled motions can help a person gradually reach firmer ground. — Outside, 5 Mar. 2026 Not in an overly aggressive way, just pretty controlled, moving the ball around. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025 That translates to asking your stylist for something that sits between the lip and chin with a very blunt, controlled perimeter. — Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 3 May 2026 Thiesse is his antithesis – quiet, controlled and polite. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controlled

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of controlled was in 1581

Phrases Containing controlled

Rhymes for controlled

See All Rhymes for controlled

Browse Nearby Words

controllable
controlled
controlled experiment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Controlled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controlled. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

controlled

adjective
con·​trolled kən-ˈtrōld How to pronounce controlled (audio)
: regulated by law with regard to possession and use
controlled drugs

More from Merriam-Webster on controlled

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for controlled

Nglish: Translation of controlled for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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