check 1 of 2

noun

Definition of checknext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in inspection
a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition made a careful check of the antique table before buying it

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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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7
as in halt
the stopping of a process or activity the announcement of bad news gave a sudden check to the celebration

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

check

2 of 2

verb

ˈchek How to pronounce check (audio)
1
as in to correspond
to be in agreement on every point their story of what happened checks with the report of the eyewitness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill a tree finally checked the skidding car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to keep
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) check your enthusiasm a bit, and think before you marry someone you just met

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Mitsouras said concerns began in January 2025, when a check for about $8,000 to cover a cheerleading competition bounced, despite records showing the account should have had at least $30,000. —Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 6 May 2026 App users can save three cents per gallon with the Pay with GasBuddy+ card, which is free and doesn’t require a credit check. —Jeff A. Chamer may 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Verb
Anthony initially sprained his hand checking his swing during his first at bat of Monday’s win over the Detroit Tigers. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026 However, rules are constantly changing, so be sure to check with your specific airline before traveling. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
  1. bill
  2. inspection
  3. statement
  4. ticket
  5. restriction
  6. fissure
  7. halt
  8. correspond
Noun
  • Goldman Sachs concurs, saying the drag will offset the benefits from that tax bill the White House had championed.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 May 2026
  • The House advanced the bill codifying the peeper’s status, House Bill 5534, this week by a vote of 136-0.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Definition of bill
Noun
  • But as the bill moved through the House, additional provisions were added including language allowing random inspections of home kitchens by health departments.
    — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • This previous ordinance laid out a standard business licensing system that required new businesses to undergo reviews and inspections by various departments, aiming to ensure businesses complied with local laws, paid any fees or fines and met health and safety standards.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • An Urban Pathways spokeswoman expressed condolences to the victims and their families in a statement.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • In the statement, the union said that terms would not be disclosed until the board has a chance to review the agreement.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 2 May 2026
Definition of statement
Noun
  • Liverpool have revised plans to increase ticket prices following protests and lengthy discussions with the club’s supporters’ board.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • That’s 10 times the cheapest ticket at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Suspect Cole Tomas Allen was confined to a padded cell with constant lighting and repeatedly strip-searched; the judge noted the jail houses convicted killers without such restrictions.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
  • The owner of a long-standing and once heralded senior housing project is seeking to have the age restriction removed, telling town zoning officials such a move is in keeping with shifts in the Connecticut housing market.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • Once in San Diego, the gears switch back to the fissures in the domestic relationships, specifically Danny and Nia.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 May 2026
  • That creates a fissure among the survivors, an escalating conflict through which the behaviors of young men, both for better and worse (mostly worse), are boiled down to their terrifying essence.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • At the climax, the music, seemingly stuck in a digital rut, comes to a halt as a static image of Charli is busted through by a bunch of young men seemingly bringing a mosh pit out into the open.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 May 2026
  • So far, Aoun has refused to engage in face-to-face discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a complete halt to Israeli fire on the country.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • The theme of each Met Gala, which sets the tone for the evening’s dress code, tends to correspond with that year’s Costume Institute fashion exhibition.
    — Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • Anika Reed The Costume Institute exhibit has a distinct theme each year that corresponds with the Met Gala.
    — Anika Reed, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Definition of correspond

Phrases Containing check

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cheats
check
checkable
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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on check

Nglish: Translation of check for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about check

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