Synonyms of curb

curb 1 of 2

verb

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

try to curb your curiosity when it comes to your neighbors' business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regulate
• control
• restrain
• contain
• keep
• measure
• stifle
• suppress
• inhibit
• tame
• stop
• rule
• constrain
• check
• govern
• hold
• rein (in)
• bridle
• pull in
• interrupt
• choke (back)
• swallow
• hinder
• block
• impede
• smother
• repress
• hold back
• strangle
• arrest
• squelch
• obstruct
• hamper
• sink
• muffle
• silence
• bottle (up)
• pocket
• mince
• muzzle
• handcuff
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• loosen
• liberate
• loose
• express
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

curb

2 of 2

noun

ˈkərb 

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

• restriction
• constraint
• limitation
• restraint
• condition
• prohibition
• check
• stricture
• exception
• ban
• fetter
• circumscription
• stipulation
• proviso
• strings
• reservation
• qualification
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

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

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

Recent Examples of curb

Verb

Germany’s lower house of parliament has passed initial measures on a fuel policy package aimed at curbing soaring prices due to the Iran war, including restricting gas stations to only hiking costs once per day. —Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

These foods work to curb cellular damage caused by free radicals, or unstable molecules that, in excess, can drive inflammation. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Mar. 2026

Noun

While the medium may have changed from the late 19th century or early 20th century markets that were held in poolrooms or on the curb exchange, the contracts mirror today’s markets and were extremely accurate, Strumpf said. —Grace Hase, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026

Also part of the plans is the addition of 29 disabled-accessible curb ramps. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026