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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5
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
Other interactions included welfare checks reported by property owners about Roley's vehicle, the sheriff said. Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 30 June 2025 About 12 minutes later, the crook showed up at a Pay-O-Matic check cashing service on Utica Ave. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
Some pelvic floor physical therapists can check the muscles with an external exam. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025 Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis will share their thoughts on what happens, alongside director and writer, Julie Rottenberg, so check for those interviews once the episode ends Thursday night. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • More: Republicans take up votes on transgender youth bills.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
  • But his threats failed, the bill passed and now Musk’s search for retribution will test American politics in new ways.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Expect a push for greater transparency in association finances, reserve studies and inspection reports.
    Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • The Bee publishes weekly updates on health inspections across Sacramento County.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • In a statement, the CHP said the shooter aimed the gunfire at a black Tesla Model 3.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • Two of the artists who are on the bill for the upcoming birthday event shared comments in a statement.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The lucky player chose the Quick Pick option, meaning a lottery machine chose at least some of their ticket numbers at random, rules show.
    Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • More than 470,000 other Powerball tickets sold in the United States also won prizes ranging from $4 to $100,000, the lottery said.
    Don Sweeney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Starting in the 1970s, home construction plummeted and prices soared in high-opportunity coastal cities because of restrictions on supply.
    Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
  • The company said in a statement that inventory value adjustments and the impact of U.S. restrictions on advanced AI chips for China had contributed to the decline in profits.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • On the ceiling of their room, there was a rather large water mark and an accompanying crack and fissure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • The standoff encapsulates many of Thailand’s long-running political fissures: Shinawatra’s family has dominated its politics for decades, but has faced opposition from its powerful military, courts, and groups tied to the monarchy.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • About three-quarters of the way through the video, the song screeches to a halt, as the video shows four men listening to a boombox.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 July 2025
  • On the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said Trump emphasized his push for a quick halt to the fighting, and Putin voiced Moscow’s readiness to pursue talks with Kyiv, noting the previous rounds in Turkey yielded humanitarian results.
    Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • That corresponded to images shot Sunday by Maxar Technologies similarly showing the ongoing work.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
  • Instead, subscribers answer questions online, correspond with medical professionals virtually and get the prescribed drugs in visually pleasing packages delivered discreetly to their homes.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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