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

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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

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
Instead of returning to finish the evening, Martinez found her waiter on the way back to the table and quietly asked for her check. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 No one spoke out, and Toosi requested another pulse check before calling the time of death, according to the report. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Verb
Whether treating a patient, following treatment protocols, or checking the latest guidance, the app puts practical knowledge at their fingertips. — Paschal Donohoe, Time, 8 July 2026 Seigler remained down for several minutes, bleeding from one arm and grimacing in pain as interim manager Chad Tracy and trainers rushed out to check him for a head injury. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 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
  • The elimination of enhanced premium tax credits in 2026 meant more ACA enrollees had to pick up a greater share of their overall health insurance bill.
    — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Standout features Easily cancel unwanted subscriptions, track your spending and credit score, automate savings and get help lowering bills.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Get regular brake, tire and filter inspections Brakes, tires and filter frequently wear down and need to be replaced.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Rollins has pushed back on criticism that staff cuts and ongoing plans to relocate much of the agency away from its Washington, DC-area headquarters could have impacted inspections.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • The gold hardware makes a stylish statement without looking too loud, and the pair’s ultra-comfy feel is just the cherry on top.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • The Dodge ran over a stop sign, reversed into a tree and traveled up a front yard before coming to a stop, the statement said.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of statement
Noun
  • In March, the extreme cost of tickets prompted 69 members of Congress to write a letter to FIFA urging them to lower their prices.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Being a Grammy Museum member does not get you early access, but there’s a separate pool of tickets for members.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Her remarks come amid mounting allegations that military restrictions slowed aid deliveries and prevented civilians—and in some cases rescue crews—from getting to critical areas during the early phase of the emergency.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Davidson is one of several parents who are a part of a local movement to advocate for more regulation and restrictions on using technology in classrooms.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • The fissure was visible before the war.
    — Clay Chandler, semafor.com, 19 June 2026
  • So, too, does the idea that a soccer coach could close fissures that even the well-meaning among career politicians have failed to seal.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The pledge did not immediately satisfy hardline conservatives, who ground operations in the House to a halt last week.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Outfielder/catcher Jesus Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • In a pair of corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned right-handed reliever Paul Gervase to triple-A Oklahoma City and released left-hander Jake Eder.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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 9 Jul. 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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