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

And Trump — despite his administration’s ongoing assistance to Israel — has at times bridled at the appearance of close US coordination. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 June 2025

The Trump administration accused UC Berkeley of failing to disclose millions of dollars in foreign funding on Friday, touting muscular new enforcement of an obscure federal rule amid ongoing efforts to bridle America’s top research institutions. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

During his first term in office, President Donald Trump bridled under various Watergate-era mechanisms passed to provide oversight to the executive branch. —Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025

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