CHECK Synonyms: 282 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

check 1 of 2

noun

Definition of check next

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

as in to stop

to bring (something) to a standstill a tree finally checked the skidding car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

How does the verb check contrast with its synonyms?

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

The workers were charged a 2% surcharge to cash those checks, which went to Loloee’s pocket. —

Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026 The most recent annual report found only 11 pieces of public correspondence relevant to the [TV ratings] board’s work, and spot checks turned up just two instances where a rating actually needed to be changed. —

Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026

Verb

Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center, one of several hospitals in the area, was treating multiple patients, some brought by ambulance, while members of the community were arriving Wednesday afternoon asking to be checked, hospital spokesman Dale Witte said. —

John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 In June 2023, PEOPLE confirmed that Davidson checked into rehab to receive inpatient therapy to address issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. —

Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for check

Recent Examples of Synonyms for check

Noun

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State Replacing Greenard could require a bigger-bodied edge, and Dennis-Sutton fits the bill.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
While Republican lawmakers still voice support for Golden Dome, there is little appetite for the partisan budget battle a party-line reconciliation bill would spark ahead of this year’s midterm elections, Politico reported Thursday.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026

Definition of bill

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“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of check

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Synonyms of check

noun

verb

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天美传媒