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
Even with label checks, the actual caffeine content may not always be accurate, Wick added. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025 Less than 1 percent of current recipients receive their benefits through a paper check. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
Health officials have noted difficulties reaching some of the city's most vulnerable students to check for lead. Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025 Part of the process of being approved meant the animal shelter checking with your veterinarian as a reference. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • What to know about the 'Texas Time' bill There has been debate for years among Texans and state legislators about whether the Lone Star State should adopt daylight saving time permanently.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • The bill, sponsored by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), comes amid longtime scrutiny of congressional stock trading, but would only take effect at the start of officeholders’ new terms.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • But within months of closing came the building’s 50-year inspection.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025
  • This speeds up corrections, reduces waste and minimizes the need for manual inspection.
    Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • This statement harks back to theories, largely accepted, that GHG emissions are totally responsible for global temperature rises.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • In its statement, the park also asked drivers in the area to reduce their speed in dark conditions and to use high-beam headlights whenever possible.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The airline will begin daily service from Seattle to London, though the carrier did not specify a date, and tickets are not yet on sale.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Single-game tickets are still available for fans to purchase, with some limitations.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Hamas has been issuing more statements criticizing Israel's restrictions on food aid to Gaza.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2025
  • Most recently, Australia relaxed restrictions on U.S. beef, a move which the office of the U.S. trade representative credited to Trump, but Albanese had reportedly said the move was not prompted by Trump.
    Lim Hui Jie,Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • Winning tends to mask or mend fissures in any group, of course.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
  • And the fissure over Jeffrey Epstein disclosures has exposed a slip in Trump’s grip on the GOP.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • The point is that in those cases, the players’ unions had the power to bring the whole sport to a halt.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • For businesses, this means operations don’t come to a halt.
    Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • Adjusted operating profit was up 8 percent to 619 million euros, corresponding to a margin of 22.6 percent, in line with the previous year notwithstanding higher investments behind the brands.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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