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 decision came a day after Washington revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's authorization to ship key chipmaking equipment and technology to its manufacturing plant in China, the latest move to curb Beijing's semiconductor advances. Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025 Climate experts believe that targeting methane offers a rapid way to curb global heating in the coming decades, given its high potency over a short period. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
However, San Diego officials have said that painting all appropriate curbs in the city could take years to complete. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 In Sacramento, drivers who park within 25 feet of a crosswalk — or 15 feet if the curb has a pedestrian extension or bump-out — could be fined $25, regardless of whether there is a sign or other indication that prohibits parking. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
Verb
  • Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Northern Sea Route is generally viewed as more developed and regulated, with Moscow investing heavily in infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to gain an upper hand in the Arctic.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Both Poland and Latvia announced new restrictions on Thursday.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Once magnets for buyers seeking sunshine – and often looser Covid restrictions – demand has started to cool off in these states.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Merino wool also has natural temperature-regulating and odor-controlling properties—both of which are ideal for hiking.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Algorithmic Literacy requires genuine technical comprehension of AI capabilities, constraints, and ethical implications.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather told Axios that resource constraints complicate efforts to intervene earlier.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Wilson's dying body was pulled inside the home by the family and restrained with his own handcuffs.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • State police will typically drive immigrants, who are restrained in belly chains, to what are essentially ICE bus stops at various places throughout the state.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Within that report, the limitations of the analysis need to be acknowledged.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tactics will remain flexible to adapt to changing fire behavior, terrain limitations, and resource availability.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement The panel has already obtained roughly 33,000 pages of records from the Justice Department, though Democrats have complained those disclosures contained little new information.
    Nik Popli, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Eventually, the Nepali army was deployed to contain the situation.
    Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hospitality starts well before check-in with the concierge team, who keep a detailed portfolio of repeat patrons and their preferences, ranging from foods to rooms.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Lifestyle habit such as exercise and a healthy diet can help keep inflammation in check.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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