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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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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 initial Covid relief bill in 2020 was necessary, but continued sending out checks for far too long. The Week Us, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026 That combination—a hard deadline six years out and a Congress that can’t agree on next steps—is precisely what Shedden says is pushing clients toward the exits early, even though claiming at 62 locks in a permanently smaller monthly check for life. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees) lets the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation check their first bag for free. Dan Avery,lily Wolfson, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Security officials from both regions were in contact and closely checking for possible connections between the Brandenburg and Bergheim incidents, Reul said. ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • Therefore, how much of the impact caused by El Niño will ultimately translate into the bills handed to consumers remains to be seen.
    , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Newcastle end the window with the squad’s average age and wage bill significantly reduced.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • First-ever restart As part of the restart process, Holtec carried out extensive inspections of the facility and equipment upgrades or refurbishments depending on the requirements.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Chinese subsidiaries manufacturing electric vehicles, security inspection equipment, and wind turbines in Europe have all been accused of competing unfairly with local firms by benefiting from Beijing’s subsidies.
    Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In a statement to PEOPLE, a Fort Collins Police spokesperson confirmed that six individuals were transported by ambulance to area hospitals, including the driver, who was described only as an adult male.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Davis’ defense attorney, Michael Sanft, challenged jurors to identify evidence outside Davis’ own statements that placed him in Las Vegas or inside the Cadillac on the night Shakur was shot.
    Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the slower pace of things pre-internet, all 250,000 tickets had gone within nine hours.
    Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Simply buy your ticket, sit back, and enjoy Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring spectacle.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Those restrictions formally sunset in 2022, but so far only Sony has done a major deal for cinemas, acquiring all 35 Alamo Drafthouse locations in 2024.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And at the state level, Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) in February introduced AB 2595, which would allow San Mateo County to impose age restrictions for e-bike riders under 12 years old in its jurisdiction.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On a historic square in Savannah, with live oaks cloaked in Spanish moss, Aaron Whitley, the Chatham County Democratic Party chair, says Ossoff has managed to transcend those fissures better than most.
    Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But a fissure remains between those actors who stay morally opposed to cloning, and those who embrace this new reality.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Iran however said a supertanker that had caught fire over the weekend had struck two naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing it to a halt.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Upon arrival, Gideon slowly grows more suspicious of the theories as to why their 30-year friendship screeched to such an abrupt halt, but also of the reports of Gillian’s fatal accident.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In a corresponding move, the Jets released kicker Jason Sanders and offensive lineman Kohl Levao.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Both cohorts showed evidence of a dose-dependent association, in which higher blood xylitol concentrations corresponded to higher rates of cardiovascular events.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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