Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

bridle

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of bridle

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
  • try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful
Synonyms of bridle

check, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame
Words Related to bridle

bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow

arrest, interrupt, stop

block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct

gag, muzzle, silence
Near Antonyms of bridle

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash

air, express, take out, vent
Antonyms of bridle

lose

Synonym Discussion of bridle

restrain, check, curb, bridle mean to hold back from or control in doing something. restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.
    • restrained themselves from laughing
check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.
    • trying to check government spending
curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.
    • learn to curb your appetite
bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.
    • bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Learn More about bridle

  1. See words that rhyme with bridle Dictionary: Definition of bridle Medical Dictionary: Definition of bridle Spanish Central: Translation of bridle Nglish: Translation of bridle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bridle for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bridle

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bridle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games