Synonyms of curb

curb 1 of 2

verb

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

try to curb your curiosity when it comes to your neighbors' business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regulate
• control
• restrain
• contain
• keep
• measure
• stifle
• suppress
• inhibit
• tame
• stop
• rule
• constrain
• check
• govern
• hold
• rein (in)
• bridle
• pull in
• interrupt
• choke (back)
• swallow
• hinder
• block
• impede
• smother
• repress
• hold back
• strangle
• arrest
• squelch
• obstruct
• hamper
• sink
• muffle
• silence
• bottle (up)
• pocket
• mince
• muzzle
• handcuff
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• loosen
• liberate
• loose
• express
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

curb

2 of 2

noun

ˈkərb 

as in restriction

something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

these international regulations act as a curb on the plundering of a nation's archaeological treasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restriction
• constraint
• limitation
• restraint
• condition
• prohibition
• check
• stricture
• exception
• ban
• fetter
• circumscription
• stipulation
• proviso
• strings
• reservation
• qualification
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb curb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of curb are bridle, check, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

When is it sensible to use bridle instead of curb?

While in some cases nearly identical to curb, bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Where would check be a reasonable alternative to curb?

Although the words check and curb have much in common, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

In what contexts can restrain take the place of curb?

The synonyms restrain and curb are sometimes interchangeable, but restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of curb

Verb

As Texas starts curbing which topics and classes can be taught at public universities and colleges, students and campus communities are fighting back. —Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Proper ventilation and frequent hand-washing can also help curb spread. —Melissa Rudy , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

Noun

Over the longer term, the curbs proved far from a death knell, with the country’s production rising in subsequent years. —Anthony Di Paola, Fortune, 2 May 2026

The male driver of the SUV drove onto the curb and struck the 65-year-old man before fleeing east on 51st Street. —Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026