BRIDLE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

bridle

verb

Definition of bridle next

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

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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

Examples of bridle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The organizers handily won their NLRB vote in September but the newly unionized workers soon bridled against delays in negotiating their first contract. —

Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024 Few Western leaders seemed to worry that non-Western states might bridle at their norms or perceive the international distribution of power as an unjust remnant of the colonial past. —

Comfort Ero, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2024 Some Republican officials have more recently bridled at this outreach requirement. —

Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 Many European governments have increasingly bridled at Beijing’s efforts to use its economic might to silence criticism of its own policies and human rights record. —

Ian Johnson, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2022 See all Example Sentences for bridle

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bridle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.