check 1 of 2

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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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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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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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check

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verb

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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
Borrowers must maintain satisfactory academic progress and undergo a soft credit check each term. Adam Palasciano, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025 Leclerc kept the lead at the start and, during his first stint, was able to keep Piastri in check. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
Based on your region, check these garden tasks off your list this month to keep your plants thriving. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025 However, these components aren't always thoroughly checked, creating significant business risks. Paresh Sagar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • The bill also includes several changes to federal student loan and grant programs that Bradley said raise concerns about UofL’s affordability.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2025
  • However, California residents are often given the option to buy solar systems outright and include the cost of solar in their mortgages or lease the panels from solar providers and pay a monthly fee which is often less than the typical electrical bill for a non-solar home.
    Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In case of doubt, competent authorities may carry out random on-site inspections of cybersecurity standards in the companies, for which the management can be held liable.
    Dennis-Kenji Kipker, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But recent inspections at Boar’s Head sites in three states documented sanitation problems similar to those that led to the listeria contamination that killed 10 people and sickened dozens.
    Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That group of lawmakers will return to the state Friday after the special legislative session ends, the lawmakers said in a statement Thursday.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
  • What Happens Next Bondi said in a statement Cole would hold the post of emergency police commissioner for the duration of the emergency declared by the president.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The airline will begin daily service from Seattle to London, though the carrier did not specify a date, and tickets are not yet on sale.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Single-game tickets are still available for fans to purchase, with some limitations.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The cheapest pass at Jackson Hole, WY with no blackout dates or restrictions is currently $2,950.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, smaller and poorer countries will find themselves with insufficient market power to use tariffs and other trade restrictions in the same way.
    Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These magma-spewing mounds are responsible for 80 percent of the country’s seismic activity, including glowing fissures that splinter the landscape for up to 2 miles.
    Robin Catalano, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The measures eventually passed after internal Democratic fissures led to enough representatives returning to form a quorum.
    Rachael Dziaba, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • While the lawyers’ work stoppage continues to grind the gears of justice to a halt, Hayden says that his office is doing their best to move forward with their own work.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
  • After kicking off its first season in 2011, the show was brought to a halt in 2013, until the series was successfully rebooted in 2021.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
  • In general, it’s recommended that people commit to 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to see sufficient health benefits, said Dr. Wei Zheng, the study’s corresponding author.
    Gina Park, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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