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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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7
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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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

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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

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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
To keep all of that speed in check are 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels encased in custom Bridgestone Potenza tires – made especially for the model's particular performance needs. —New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025 The tennis player and models wear check swimwear and shirtdresses, as well as two-piece sets with a nautical knot pattern. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
For more information about the workshop, participants can check the Eventbrite link at https://bit.ly/42UM5lw. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 To learn more about how to check or assign a legacy contact, see: How to be remembered forever on Facebook. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 21 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
  • Just last week, the Florida House overwhelmingly approved a bill that would limit the governor’s role in university governance, including a provision barring him and members of his administration from discussing job vacancies.
    — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
  • More: Could a GOP bill prevent some married women from voting?
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • The regular inspections include restaurants, taverns, grocery stores, meat markets and bakeries.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 23 Apr. 2025
  • However, those areas were closed again on April 7 after failing another inspection.
    — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Major League Fishing confirmed that tournament angler Flint Davis was one of the boaters involved in the crash, but did not specify his role in the incident.
    — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Officers will be on school grounds until dismissal today, Lacy said in a statement.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • As of Thursday, tickets are no longer available for purchase on the festival's website.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Last month, points and miles travelers could book round-trip economy tickets to Taipei from Seattle and other West Coast cities for 40,000 Delta SkyMiles plus taxes and fees.
    — Nerdwallet, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Some cities and retailers banned plastic straws, and a few states imposed restrictions.
    — Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Judges have recently blocked or suspended efforts by the Trump administration to ban transgender people from the military, abolish the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and to place restrictions on birthright citizenship.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • In total, Microsoft has invested $13.75 billion in the startup, but more recently, fissures in the relationship between the two companies have begun to show.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The fissure of the volcanic eruption had broken through protective barriers around the town of Grindavik, and had reached 1,200 meters, or nearly 4,000 feet, in length.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • The Celtics outscored it 30-18 as the Magic’s offense ground to a halt.
    — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump has so far not homed in on North Korea talks, prioritizing a ceasefire in the Middle East, a deal to bring fighting in Ukraine to a halt, and a nuclear agreement with Iran.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Cox and his team ensure each of their rentals (and their corresponding shower curtains) are clean and cared for.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The regulations sought to address transactions that resulted in artificial increases to the basis of property, thereby generating tax benefits without corresponding economic outlay.
    — Joshua D. Smeltzer, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of correspond

Phrases Containing check

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cheats
check
checkable
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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on check

Nglish: Translation of check for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about check

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