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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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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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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
The process can include jumping through a number of hoops, from a background check to a polygraph test, depending on the tier. Juliana Kim, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025 One of those checks against centralized government is the Second Amendment. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
Eggs and chicken meat are considered safe to eat, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture regularly checks farms for bird flu and chickens are put to death if the virus is detected on a farm. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 Melanie McGovern, director of public relations at the Better Business Bureau, told Business Insider that the best method to spot a phishing scam is to check from where the text or email came. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for check 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • And right now in America, schools aren't always safe spaces because there are certain laws and bills being passed.
    Spencer Macnaughton, Them, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Some said the bills were moves to get Trump's attention.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The White House said the tariffs will be open for public inspection on Saturday.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Guardianship properties were often run down, the inspections by providers felt intrusive and license fees were rising.
    Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, neither Allen nor Harbour has given a statement directly.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2025
  • These were used to make profound and inspiring statements about social justice.
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Fans need to register in advance to buy tickets on The Brothers’ website; there will be a limit of eight tickets per show.
    Dave Brooks, Billboard, 6 Feb. 2025
  • For more information or to buy tickets, email info@hutchinsonjaycees.org. Live music by Absolute Zero at Neisen’s Bar and Grill in Biscay.
    Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Department of Transportation said officials will reassess the restriction after the National Transportation Safety Board has completed its preliminary investigation of Wednesday’s crash.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The restrictions apply to existing tenants and new leases during the emergency period, according to the order.
    Stepheny Price, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • There are deep fissures in Trump’s coalition between men like Steve Bannon, who favor increased economic support for the working class, and those like Musk, who want corporations and capital to be unfettered.
    Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The whole issue of health care, and the profits that come with it, continues to be an angry fissure in public debate.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Here are some of the most notable categories: Foreign policy Trump's foreign policy approach in his early days in office centered around tariff threats, shirking international agreements and bringing much foreign aid to a halt.
    Avery Lotz, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
  • On Thursday, the Trump administration also ordered an immediate halt of the $5 billion program aimed at building more EV charging stations on highways.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 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, 1 Feb. 2025
  • According to spiritual practices, this energetic field reflects our physical and spiritual well-being and is comprised of several layers: Each layer corresponds to a different chakra, emotional or spiritual aspects of our lives, and the expression of our personalities.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near check

Cite this Entry

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

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