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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
Instead of a Hail Mary on the final play, Jayden Daniels threw a check down to tight end Chig Okonkwo, who was immediately tackled. — ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026 The show is not discoverable by a search query on Netflix's site, but can be found on the platform via a search engine check. — Oliver Trapnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
That gives Meta another way to check whether someone meets an app's age requirements. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026 In one instance, lawyers for Rodriguez challenged a decision regarding a ballot in which his name was checked rather than the oval being filled. — Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • North Carolina lawmakers have also considered similar restrictions through House Bill 328, but the bill remains stalled in the House Rules Committee.
    — Evan Moore November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
  • If Republicans are going to move a big party-line bill, the earlier the better.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Buyers can trade inspection reports with sellers and book video walkarounds, but buying anything used carries risk.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Coral Gables’ Eating House didn’t have an overwhelming number of inspection violations — just a dirty dozen — but did have an overwhelming number of roaches found in an oven drawer last week.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Drinkwitz got at it in his opening statement by broaching it before it even could be asked.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Add a slim leather belt with a statement buckle and a pair of loafers to bring some of the decade’s signature swagger into your everyday wardrobe.
    — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Free-Ticket Scam A friend offers to give you a box-seat ticket to a Yankees game.
    — Jack Handey, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On the New York to Pittsburgh round trip route, for example, baseline airfares start around 450 dollars, compared to roughly 225 dollars for train tickets and just 100 dollars for long distance bus tickets.
    — , CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The restrictions exist to grab attention, educate riders, and improve overall safety.
    — Larry Seward, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The measure, which would not apply to federal elections, would impose restrictions on how public money could be spent, including requiring candidates to demonstrate a base of public support.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • An exception to the rule occurs over volcanic fissures on the flanks of the Alba Mons volcano, in early summer.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The opposition has articulated clear differences from the current government on matters of domestic policy, but major fissures on the Palestinian conflict, Iran, and Israel’s wider regional military campaigns are less apparent.
    — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • On her second flight to Iwo Jima, her aircraft blew a tire on landing and skidded to a halt.
    — Leah Garrett, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • South Korea’s Kospi index tumbled more than 8%, triggering a temporary market-wide trading halt.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The corresponding figure for emergency financial assistance increased from 18% to 27%.
    — Gregory Bresiger, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The measurements correspond to 1-pounder and 6-pounder cannons, respectively.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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