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Definition of checknext
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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

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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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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
Ship 42 will also complete a series of tests as the next Starship launch approaches, including a static engine fire and final systems checks. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Another common mistake is treating shelf-life limitations, product quality requirements and regulatory rules as downstream checks rather than constraints that must be incorporated into the optimization process itself. — Santanu Boral, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
A number of passengers have been arrested over the years for joking about having a bomb like a man did while checking his bag in Chicago in 2022. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 The adult passenger reboarded the bus, checked to see if any students remained on board and took his seat before the bus pulled away. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • Medicaid cuts passed in a 2025 tax bill set to take effect next year are expected to exacerbate states’ problems.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In March, Brodeur backed an amendment quietly tacked on to a land-use bill that would have gutted Seminole’s rural boundary and weakened local governments’ ability to control growth.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Please make clear which conclusions come from building inspections, which reflect broader climate research and which remain uncertain.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • An incident at one attraction can lead to inspections or modifications at similar rides elsewhere.
    — Dennis Speigel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Tallahassee Police Department said in a statement that 11 of the 12 were shot and that three victims had serious injuries, with one minor in serious condition.
    — Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Gang Supression Force force has not made any statement about the discovery and hand over.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s hope the cameras can improve the situation, but also doubt that simply mailing out a slew of tickets will make a difference.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Fly & Vote, which has been funded by private donations, chartered a flight for Israelis living in Portugal and bought blocks of tickets for flights from the New York area.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For instance, the Supreme Court in late October allowed New Hampshire to enforce restrictions on using student identification cards as valid voter IDs.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
  • McKnight ordered the restrictions after the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), which handles certain disciplinary actions involving clergy, issued a penal precept for Kallal.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In 1999, Glück imagined a creation story of sorts, describing small worlds that appeared in the fissures of a larger, shattered one.
    — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The research reveals a fissure between how brand marketers measure the impact of personalization and how consumers experience its value.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • According to Puente, a computer failure led to the initial halt of six moving trains, including the two trains that subsequently collided.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • During the 2008 financial crisis, most of the construction at Martis Camp came to a virtual halt.
    — Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In particular, the work showed that the Roger-Ramanujan identities correspond to a trefoil knot in a certain space.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In a corresponding move, the Panthers promoted outside linebacker Nick Hampton off the practice squad.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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