CHECK Synonyms: 282 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'check' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of check are bridle , curb , and restrain . While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus. // trying to check government spending

Q: In what contexts can 'bridle' take the place of 'check'?

While in some cases nearly identical to check , bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in. // bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Q: When can 'curb' be used instead of 'check'?

Although the words curb and check have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking. // learn to curb your appetite

Q: Where would 'restrain' be a reasonable alternative to 'check'?

In some situations, the words restrain and check are roughly equivalent. However, restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes. // restrained themselves from laughing

check 1 of 2

noun

Definition of check next

as in bill

the amount owed at a bar or restaurant or the slip of paper stating the amount diners at that temple of gastronomy often look shocked when they receive the check

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in inspection

a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition made a careful check of the antique table before buying it

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as in statement

a record of goods sold or services performed together with the costs due request a detailed check from the company before sending any money

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as in ticket

a small sheet of plastic, paper, or paperboard showing that the bearer has a claim to something (as admittance) handed over a check for his coat

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as in restriction

something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the judiciary is intended to be a check on the executive and legislative branches of government

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fissure

an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure the network of fine checks on the surface would indicate that the painting is quite old

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as in halt

the stopping of a process or activity the announcement of bad news gave a sudden check to the celebration

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check

2 of 2

verb

ˈchek

as in to correspond

to be in agreement on every point their story of what happened checks with the report of the eyewitness

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as in to stop

to bring (something) to a standstill a tree finally checked the skidding car

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as in to keep

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) check your enthusiasm a bit, and think before you marry someone you just met

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb check contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of check are bridle, curb, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

In what contexts can bridle take the place of check?

While in some cases nearly identical to check, bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can curb be used instead of check?

Although the words curb and check have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

Where would restrain be a reasonable alternative to check?

In some situations, the words restrain and check are roughly equivalent. However, restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

Example Sentences

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 check

Noun

The sun provides heat and light, the moon keeps the tides in check, and the planets revolve nicely around a star that’s neither too small nor too large, and just the right temperature. —

Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 As a teen, Cameron was cashing fake checks into his personal bank account for a year, before being arrested. —

Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Aerial imaging can detect hot spots and show crews like this where to look, but every inch has to be checked by a person in order for an area to be declared fully contained. —

M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 On Monday morning, HBO dropped the first official trailer for The White Lotus season three, which opens with a new group of guests checking into the best hotel in the world in the Asian country. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for check

Recent Examples of Synonyms for check

Noun

And right now in America, schools aren't always safe spaces because there are certain laws and bills being passed.

— Spencer Macnaughton, Them, 1 Feb. 2025
Some said the bills were moves to get Trump's attention.

— Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025