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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
This era saw the launch of a new generation of media stars liberated from any editorial authority that might submit their assertions to a fact check. —Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025 Watch the money Never pay more than one-third of the estimate up front and never hand over your insurance check to your contractor. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 13 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
  1. bill
  2. inspection
  3. statement
  4. ticket
  5. restriction
  6. fissure
  7. halt
  8. correspond
Noun
  • The incident cost the family around ₱28,000 ($489) in vet bills and travel to and from the hospital.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • But those who look to move into another repayment plan will likely face a much larger monthly bill.
    — Annie Nova, CNBC, 19 July 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Exceptions for medically necessary items will be made after inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.
    — Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • Three Fort Worth restaurants were ordered to close and three were noted to have issues with roaches in the latest round of city health inspections, according to the inspection report.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • Police arrested the 15-year-old boy after an investigation, according to a statement from Elsmere police.
    — Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • Veress said in a statement on July 21 that scientists from the observatory are closely watching the Yellowstone volcano.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • The multi-modal travel booking platform combines thousands of travel partners and four modes of transportation: trains, buses, ferries, and planes With the Omio app, travellers have all their tickets in one place.
    — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • According to Friday exit polls, 68 percent of Superman ticket buyers were male, while nearly two-thirds of the audience were between the ages of 18 and 34.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Many of these same countries impose significant restrictions on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, products the manufacture of which the United States excels.
    — Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Justice Department stopped defending federal handgun rule In a move alarming to groups working to prevent gun violence, the DOJ declined to continue to defend a federal law setting 21 as the minimum age to own a handgun after an appeals court ruled the restriction unconstitutional.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • And Japan’s invocation of World War II is controversial in a region where fissures over Tokyo’s devastating militarism during the period sour relations with many of its neighbors to this day.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
  • While the Gen-Z and progressive flanks of the party came together in support of Mamdani last month, fissures within the cohort have emerged in Arizona.
    — Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Combine that with a high-interest-rate environment and uncertainty over peace in the Middle East, spending came to a halt.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • Over the years, the lighthouse was used as a museum and a coffee shop, but erosion from the sea forced that to come to a halt.
    — Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 July 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Analyst Alan Gould’s new price target of $510, raised from $430, corresponds to about 33% upside ahead.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 19 July 2025
  • 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, 19 July 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 25 Jul. 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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