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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Running, for example, keeps cortisol and adrenaline in check while releasing mood-lifting endorphins, according to the WebMD team. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026 Officials said the building’s sprinkler system held the fire in check. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Verb
Cross those two dimensions — how far an idea travels across knowledge domains, how cheaply it is checked — and the future splits four ways. —Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 In March, star receiver Puka Nacua checked into a rehab facility after several incidents during and after the season. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 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
  • His daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, have never paid a penny in rent for their grace and favour homes in London, despite being non-working royals; King Charles foots the bill using his private wealth, but at a discount on the market rent of about 40%.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 14 June 2026
  • The bill limits recipient eligibility, reduces benefits and services and shifts costs from the federal government onto states and local municipalities.
    — Lizzie Kane June 14, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Crews can use flashing blue lights to stop boaters for safety inspections, investigate impaired operators and keep vessels out of restricted areas.
    — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 10 June 2026
  • Included in the search warrant were numerous documents showing how the chemical in the tank was handled and communication between employees about handling it, maintenance and inspection records and searches of company electronics, according to the document.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 June 2026
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • The university and the police department noted in their statement and in the press conference that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025
  • The band announced the news in a statement on Tuesday via their official Instagram account.
    — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • After years of planning, anticipation, hype and a growing concern over high ticket prices and immigration restrictions, the largest World Cup in history kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City and will run through July 19 across 16 cities in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin rank among the states with the most jackpot-winning tickets.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 11 June 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • The change would bring state policy in line with federal law, which already includes those restrictions.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
  • In April, American Airlines tightened restrictions on portable chargers that passengers can bring on flights.
    — Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • Seismic images of mid-ocean ridges typically show rough and jagged terrain, formed when lava oozes up into the cold ocean along faults or fissures and hardens suddenly into stone.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • McGovern said Sunday that air monitoring has shown the possible fissure has not led to the release of toxic air.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 May 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • The end of zero interest rates in 2022 brought IPOs and M & A activity — a key exit strategy for the private equity sector — to an abrupt halt .
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
  • After marrying, the couple began trying for a baby, but their test results brought everything to a halt.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • In a corresponding move, the team placed swing tackle Storm Norton on the physically unable to perform list, which ended his season.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 June 2026
  • Their high ponytails became a signature of sorts for the pint-sized actresses who rocked the hairdo along with their corresponding denim dresses at a convention in 1993.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
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 17 Jun. 2026.

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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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