curb 1 of 2

curb

2 of 2

noun

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 curb
Verb
The Democratic Party has been unable, in the seven months since losing the White House, to curb its internal power struggles. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 June 2025 Already, multiple non-incumbent women have announced their 2026 bids for governor, supplying a pool of candidates that could curb a possible loss in women’s gubernatorial representation in 2027. Kelly Dittmar, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
The curbs were part of a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff increase on Beijing’s products. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 June 2025 While Iran maintains its ambitions are peaceful, the U.S. has renewed calls for curbs on uranium enrichment and greater transparency. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
Verb
  • Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • Last week, the Senate approved the stablecoin bill, establishing a framework to regulate these digital currencies that are linked to the U.S. dollar.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • In April, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that blocked sales of Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, which had been designed to comply with earlier restrictions.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Typically, if fire restrictions are in place or a Red Flag Day is in effect, no fireworks of any kind are allowed.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Doctors Without Borders, one of the many nongovernmental aid groups in Gaza refusing to work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, says aid must not be controlled by a warring party to further its military objectives.
    Aya Batrawy, NPR, 28 June 2025
  • Fort Worth firefighters quickly controlled a two-alarm fire at Hulen Mall on Friday night, and shoppers and employees were evacuated from the building.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Democratic governors pointed to financial constraints and anticipated federal funding cuts as primary reasons for reversing course.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • The team is already looking to expand the model to account for real-world constraints, such as regional resource availability, cost, and lifecycle performance.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • When restrained, Perry falls to the ground while still cursing, as seen in another video, and is then removed from the flight.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Earlier this month, on June 17, a 32-year-old female New York resident was restrained and removed from a Southwest flight from LaGuardia to Kansas City.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Hybrid and virtual models also eliminate geographical barriers, which could increase attendee participation while reducing time and resource limitations.
    Michele Dobnikar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Despite the limitations, midfielder Tommy Fraser and full-back Sam Rents several came through the system to make debuts in League One during the reign of former club midfielder Dean Wilkins between 2006 and 2008.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • For reference, a cigarette typically contains 10 to 15 mg of nicotine.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • The new collection contains 20 examples of chain-making expertise, many of which are paved with diamonds and paired with statement gems.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Lorde keeps it casual in New York as she is seen outside of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on June 24.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • So, for example, if the merchant was charged $10 less, the processor would keep $5 to $8 and pass the rest to the merchant.
    Robert Day, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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