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Definition of checknext
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
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
Hertl skated around the back of the net, passed to Sissons, shook a check from Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, took a return pass from Sissons, skated to the slot, and beat goalie Frederik Andersen with a high, blocker-side wrist shot. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 This process requires fingerprints, photographs, and an extensive background check by the Feds and can take months. Toby Leary, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
Verb
The two-day festival spans the museum (great excuse to check it out) and the Harold Washington Library Center. Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026 During those screenings, CDC staff will survey individuals about their travel history and symptoms, check their temperatures and collect contact information for follow-ups by state and local public authorities if needed, the agency’s website says. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • The Legislature passed a suite of housing bills this session to override local zoning rules that proponents argued contributed to the state’s affordability woes, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.
    Rose Evans June 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2026
  • Her medical bills now total more than $16,000, and her monthly prescriptions run $386.
    Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Officials said the facility would have to undergo a follow-up inspection on June 5.
    Tim Fang, CBS News, 3 June 2026
  • The report was produced after an unannounced inspection by the DHS inspector general, whose office recently got an infusion of $20 million and plans to boost its inspections from four to six per year to potentially as many as 40 to 60.
    Laura Strickler, NBC news, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Godfrey’s death was announced on June 5 via a statement from his talent agency, Markham Froggatt & Irwin.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 6 June 2026
  • Fired 60 Minutes veteran Scott Pelley hasn’t quoted poet John Masefield in any of his scathing statements since embattled CBS News chief Bari Weiss and new newsmagazine EP Nick Bilton canned him for rejecting their regime earlier this week.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • As of publication, the cheapest tickets for a Knicks home game at MSG are selling for nearly $4,000 apiece.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • Two national chains with locations in Treasure Valley are offering discounts on tickets for family-friendly films and snacks.
    Hali Smith June 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • The next collective bargaining agreement will include either a salary cap, closing the sport’s Free Spending Saloon, or other payroll restrictions that would have a similarly sobering effect.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Seismic images of mid-ocean ridges typically show rough and jagged terrain, formed when lava oozes up into the cold ocean along faults or fissures and hardens suddenly into stone.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • These seemingly harmless fissures on the surface of a watermelon can indicate deeper problems that affect both taste and freshness.
    Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • As Russia’s advance stalls, Ukraine boosts long-range strikes After a series of gains last year, Russia’s advances along the over 600-mile front line have ground to a near halt recently, and Ukraine’s armed forces have launched successful counterstrikes and reclaimed some ground.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • The painstaking work of clearing depots has ground to a halt, overtaken by a more volatile reality.
    Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • For example, clinical trials demonstrate weight loss of 15-20% or more, with corresponding improvements in cardiovascular outcomes, kidney function and metabolic health.
    Karen R. Studer, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • In a corresponding move, right-hander Paul Gervase was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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