bridle

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

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 bridle Well, bridled a little, in that Molly engages in some bondage play as the show goes on. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 The judge also bridled that OPM's acting director, Charles Ezell, and his senior adviser, Noah Peters, did not attend the hearing. Emily Feng, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025 Disney has had major friction with Charter Communications and DirecTV over the past couple of years as those operators have bridled at Disney’s demands for higher fees. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 Weaker firms may bridle at the costs of compliance; some will go out of business. James K. Galbraith, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2019 See All Example Sentences for bridle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bridle
Verb
  • By controlling the pressure inside the robot’s body and the temperature of the actuators, the researchers were able to steer it through intricate paths.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In return, Moscow controlled strategic ports and bases on the Mediterranean, and gained access to lucrative phosphate mining and fossil fuel deals.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Minimal protections for football’s youngest players Experts argue that youth football is the least regulated of all.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The chimney, a symbol of the site’s industrial heritage, now functions as an intake for external air captured at 60 meters, which is then circulated through the bioclimatic greenhouse on the south facade, which Ruffini highlighted, and that helps to regulate internal temperatures.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tensions were already high between Washington and Bogotá over President Gustavo Petro’s attempts to curb drug trafficking, threatening the countries’ close security and commercial relations.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As a way to help curb these issues without generating waste, TNC teamed up with the Henry Doorly Zoo to cut back the trees and shrubs at the preserve and then use the clippings to supplement the diets of some of the zoo's largest animals.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amy Morrell, 53, a direct care staff member at the school, and other staff were attempting to restrain the teen, who officials say had been trying to leave a dorm building without permission, when the student allegedly kicked her in the chest, according to the district attorney's office.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The measure has since been watered down and now requires children between the ages of 8 to 16, starting in 2027, to pass a five-step test to be considered properly restrained by a seat belt.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alter the pH balance of urine.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The popcorn may contain undeclared peanuts, posing a serious risk of allergic reactions.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Anglers who want to keep their catch fresh on a long drive home are better served to cover fish in a dry livewell with ice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • After keeping her loyalty to Tommy on their night off, this week, Kizzi is back to flirting with everyone, everywhere.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There’s a growing understand that many industry pros are likely already using software to help tame heavy workloads.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lawmakers, however, view the fees as a hedge against a continual conversion to EVs and the decline in gas taxes that have helped to fund big projects, as well a a way to tame an increasingly sprawling delivery ecosystem.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Venture capital performance may be measured in ten-year chunks, but only an elite club of firms can claim to have stayed consistent—let alone functional—for anywhere close to that timeframe.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey is an ongoing research program that measures consumer attitudes and behaviors relating to apparel, shopping, fashion, sustainability, and more.
    Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bridle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bridle. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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