check 1 of 2

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

Relevance
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

7
1
2
3

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
Tasks such as contract review, renewal tracking, compliance checks and obligation management are increasingly assigned to employees without formal legal training. Matthew Sole, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 However, quality checks by the FDA’s laboratory personnel showed that the positive result was an error. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 21 July 2026
Verb
Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 The Coach Vae Skimmer Slingbacks check every box, with the addition of a luxurious gleaming bedchain trim guaranteed to turn heads. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • Lawmakers this session introduced a series of bills that would overhaul child custody and family court — including changes that would codify equal custody arrangements as the default.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
  • Lawmakers tried for years to put limits on the practice before passing a bill this spring that raises the minimum legal age for riding in truck beds from 12 to 16.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • These include machine assembly, large-scale metal printing, post-processing, inspection, quality assurance and customer acceptance.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • The LaunchAgent uses an Apple-like name, which can make the entry blend in during a quick inspection.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Of particular concern is the stability of agricultural supply chains and fertilizers, according to the statement.
    Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Shiny new towers make a statement through their sheer opulence, panoramic views and desirable locations, enticing companies to pay top dollar.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • As of Wednesday, the winning Mega Millions ticket sold in Idaho had yet to be claimed.
    Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
  • The police probably didn’t hear of Perez’s request, but the Royals said the man was issued a ticket and released.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Arbitration is conducted in private and parties are subject to confidentiality restrictions.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 July 2026
  • Other updates may include additional distance requirements from residential properties, restrictions on types of cooling systems or water usage and site testing to be completed at the developer’s expense.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • While effective in winning the war, the new government faced social and political fissures in the postwar period.
    Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Diggins’ absence from the court and the Sky’s ongoing lack of success seemed to set the table for an early fissure midway through the first season of her two-way deal.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • Last week, De Beers — which is owned by Anglo American — announced a two-year production halt at its flagship Venetia mine in South Africa.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 20 July 2026
  • The escalation over the strait has seen shipping traffic ground to a halt through the waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil flowed before the war.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Klimoska has been part of the Talents Sarajevo program at Sarajevo Film Festival, and the corresponding scheme at the Berlinale.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026
  • Putnam notes that each vessel carries a distinct color corresponding to its stage of life—yellow for birth, red for growth and blue for rebirth.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on check

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster