check 1 of 2

noun

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

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2
as in inspection
a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition made a careful check of the antique table before buying it

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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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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7
as in halt
the stopping of a process or activity the announcement of bad news gave a sudden check to the celebration

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

check

2 of 2

verb

ˈchek How to pronounce check (audio)
1
as in to correspond
to be in agreement on every point their story of what happened checks with the report of the eyewitness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill a tree finally checked the skidding car

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to keep
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) check your enthusiasm a bit, and think before you marry someone you just met

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tablet, which enables video check-ins with caregivers and family members, also houses reminders, exercise guides, and medication checks. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025 Luvu stood to lose his game-day check worth $508,833. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
This episode was produced by Berly McCoy, edited by Brent Baughman and Rebecca Ramirez and fact checked by Tyler Jones. —Berly McCoy, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025 Advertisement The best way to see a supermoon is in an open, flat area with a clear view of the sky, so make sure to check your local forecast. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
  1. bill
  2. inspection
  3. statement
  4. ticket
  5. restriction
  6. fissure
  7. halt
  8. correspond
Noun
  • The bill writes health reimbursement accounts into the tax code, giving small businesses more affordable and flexible health insurance options, according to NFIB.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Upon re-inspection, the inspector saw gnaw marks on the plastic container and on three packages of almonds inside.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The flights through the once Category 5 storm have been particularly hairy, with one of the NOAA aircraft having to return to its base for a safety inspection after exceeding its g-force limits from the turbulence.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • Starbucks expects the total value of its China retail business to exceed $13 billion, according to the statement.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Online attacks against Banda escalated after her recognition for FIFPRO Women's World 11, prompting the NWSL to issue a statement denouncing all forms of harassment and affirming support for Banda and all players.
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • No one won the jackpot on Monday, but three tickets in New York matched five numbers to win $1 million each.
    — Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • How much is a Powerball lottery ticket today?
    — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Regional restrictions may apply.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Snow suggests framing choices in terms of collaboration and care, rather than loss or restriction.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • The journalist Beth Macy, who in her previous books chronicled the widening fissures in American society by examining the opioid crisis and the aftereffects of globalization, grew up there.
    — Alex Kotlowitz, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Once enough cars have sped over these fissures, chunks begin breaking off to create those infamous potholes that pop tires and ruin shocks.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Elsewhere, the e-cargo is built around aluminum front and rear frame components, rolls on 20-inch wheels wearing Scwhalbe rubber, and comes to a halt courtesy of Tektro quad-piston hydraulic brakes rocking 180-mm discs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
  • And in a situation where millions of Americans risked going hungry with the potential halt of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the group is using that power for good.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Morelli also corresponded with the man obtaining the videos for him and asked that the torture of the animals be prolonged in subsequent videos, according to a copy of the indictment filed in the case and obtained by PEOPLE.
    — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • This new forecast corresponds to upside of around 11%.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of correspond

Phrases Containing check

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cheats
check
checkable
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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on check

Nglish: Translation of check for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about check

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