check 1 of 2

noun

Definition of checknext
1
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
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in halt
the stopping of a process or activity the announcement of bad news gave a sudden check to the celebration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

check

2 of 2

verb

ˈchek How to pronounce check (audio)
1
as in to correspond
to be in agreement on every point their story of what happened checks with the report of the eyewitness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill a tree finally checked the skidding car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Experts are racing to find solutions to keep the onslaught in check. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025 As recently as Thursday, a background check still showed Buckholz as having been charged with multiple felonies in October. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
Those who file online can check the status of their returns after 24 hours have passed from the file date. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 The platform claims to help writers complete scripts faster, check for plagiarism, ensure character and dialogue consistency, and analyze script quality. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
  1. bill
  2. inspection
  3. statement
  4. ticket
  5. restriction
  6. fissure
  7. halt
  8. correspond
Noun
  • But the bills have changed the rhetorical landscape.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But these days the church is in disrepair and has been closed for two years because the gas bill could not be paid and the heat turned off.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Boar’s Head closed that facility in September after inspection reports revealed numerous problems, including model, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years, the Associated Press reported.
    — Addy Bink, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Folsom and Clementine program mirrors restrictions adopted across Northern California with boaters wishing to launch having a red quarantine seal for at least 30 days after a mandatory inspection.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • His parents also spoke during the sentencing and in their statements expressed the pain of losing their son and anger with the Idaho Department of Correction for housing their him with James Johnson.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025
  • More 02 of 11 Coleus Coleus are low-maintenance plants that thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity, and make a statement with their colorful foliage even in the shade.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • Set up agents using Make or Zapier to analyze customer communications, support tickets, and feedback.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Those ticket sales rank as the biggest debut of the year, as well as the best in history for a game-to-film adaptation.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Some regulators might see stablecoins as competition to or complementary with CBDCs, leading to either tighter restrictions or new forms of partnership.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Other states are also debating whether to remove transfer restrictions.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • From there, the odds quickly turn against him, assuming fissures within the Democratic-labor community subside, even if bruised feelings don’t entirely, in the heavily Democratic district.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The company’s drillers then inject water into the well, prying open the stone fissures and creating an artificial reservoir.
    — Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • One unique thing Reno fit into it is a short sound around the 1:35 mark that sounds like a car screeching to a halt.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Rather than dwell on this possibility, or call for a halt to further investments until the federal funding picture resolves, supervisors instead took turns bidding Bergmann farewell and welcoming acting director Nadia Privara.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice hosted the event to correspond with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an annual commemoration that promotes justice for victims.
    — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The Indiana Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks in the 4-5 matchup in the East, while the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat finished seventh through 10th, respectively, with corresponding Play-In matchups ahead.
    — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of correspond

Phrases Containing check

Browse Nearby Words

cheats
check
checkable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on check

Nglish: Translation of check for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about check

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All