Synonyms of bridle

bridle

verb

as in to control

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful

Synonyms & Similar Words

• control
• regulate
• curb
• restrain
• contain
• keep
• tame
• measure
• stifle
• govern
• rule
• suppress
• check
• hold
• constrain
• inhibit
• rein (in)
• stop
• swallow
• pull in
• choke (back)
• interrupt
• hold back
• repress
• strangle
• hinder
• smother
• arrest
• silence
• impede
• sink
• block
• mince
• squelch
• muzzle
• hamper
• pocket
• obstruct
• muffle
• bottle (up)
• handcuff
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• loosen
• loose
• liberate
• express
• take out
• vent
• unleash
• air

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bridle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bridle are check, curb, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Where would check be a reasonable alternative to bridle?

The meanings of check and bridle largely overlap; however, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

When could curb be used to replace bridle?

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

learn to curb your appetite

When would restrain be a good substitute for bridle?

The words restrain and bridle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bridle

On the ground, soldiers bridled at having to fight an impossible, unpopular war, and turmoil spread through the ranks. —Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

Some diplomats bridle at the very idea of haggling with the Taliban, saying that the rights of women and girls are nonnegotiable. —Delaney Simon, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025

Tchaikovsky’s symphonic ambitions bridle against their keyboard constraints in his early C-sharp sonata; Trifonov tapped both fluidity and clarity out of the bloat. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Nov. 2024

Helping Diggs bridle his competitive fire while understanding his fit into the framework of Houston’s offense will rank among Ryans’ top priorities. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 3 Apr. 2024