curb 1 of 2

curb

2 of 2

noun

as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice these international regulations act as a curb on the plundering of a nation's archaeological treasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb curb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of curb are bridle, check, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

When is it sensible to use bridle instead of curb?

While in some cases nearly identical to curb, 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 curb?

Although the words check and curb have much in common, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

In what contexts can restrain take the place of curb?

The synonyms restrain and curb are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 curb
Verb
Borrego Springs has already been grappling with a critical overdraft of its basin, though it’s taken steps in recent years to curb its usage. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 The legislation came in response to a 2023 scientific report that warned existing programs to curb urban and farm runoff polluting the Bay and its rivers were falling short. Timothy Wheeler, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
For unknown reasons, the woman, described by authorities as elderly, crashed into a concrete curb and a median. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2025 A little planning, the right gear, and skipping social media stunts will get you from curb to gate with minimal stress. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
Verb
  • The outcome and the broader legal strategy behind the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications not only for Brazil but for any country or region – such as the European Union – attempting to regulate online spaces.
    Camille Grenier, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The Bloomberg News film includes interviews with parents involved in efforts to secure wins in the courts and the halls of power in Washington D.C. to regulate social media platforms.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Progressives believed that these restrictions would allow independent experts to carry out important specialized government duties successfully, based on the merits and free from political interference.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The Justice Department maintains that the restrictions established by Humphrey's Executor don't apply to today's FTC or other multimember regulatory bodies, given the power those agencies now wield.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Emotions Are a Competitive Advantage in Finance Understanding that emotions influence financial behavior means that controlling your emotional state can become a strategic advantage.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, frontline institutions are facing severe resource constraints: The World Food Programme is facing an $8.1 billion shortfall leading to the closure of its Southern Africa office, and slashed rations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
    Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • That’s partly due to the constraints of the U.S. health care system.
    Eleanor Rivera, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At Refuge of Grace, Groves said, discipline for breaking a rule included excessive workouts, restraining, standing against a wall for hours on end and bans on talking.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Despite the urgency of the measles crisis, the official response from medical groups has been typically restrained.
    Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes, a prospect will even come back to a sales team that recommended a competitor, appreciating the consultative approach and recognizing the limitations of competitor offerings.
    Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Much more work will be needed to overcome those limitations.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The palette contains highly pigmented, blendable and long-lasting eyeshadows in assorted natural colors.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Both medications contain benzocaine, while Orajel contains other active ingredients, including menthol and zinc chloride.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There’s also what traditions and heirlooms can do to keep people together.
    Graham Womack, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2025
  • This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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