Synonyms of bridle

bridle

verb

as in to control

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 & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bridle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bridle are check, curb, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," 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 bridle?

The meanings of check and bridle largely overlap; however, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

When could curb be used to replace bridle?

Although the words curb and bridle have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

When would restrain be a good substitute for bridle?

The words restrain and bridle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bridle

Gilliam sometimes bridled at the number of voices in the room. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 3 June 2026

For long stretches, she was denied access to books and bridled against the monotony and regulation of institutional life. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

That gave it the ability to raise its own funds, and freedom from the narrow interests of lawmakers, who would bridle at any attempts to move jobs out of their districts. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Weaker firms may bridle at the costs of compliance; some will go out of business. — James K. Galbraith, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2019