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

District officials maintained the policies were designed to curb bullying and promote inclusion. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Similarly, the Interstate Consortium for the Sustainable Development of the Legal Amazon Region brings together Amazonian states to curb deforestation, promote green agriculture and attract green investment. —MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

Noun

Americans also overwhelmingly favor curbs on the power of big business that conservatives since the nineteenth century have condemned as socialist. —Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025

Police said the driver, who was parked facing the north curb of Santa Monica, for unknown reasons accelerated forward while attempting to leave and struck a 59-year-old woman sitting on the north sidewalk. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025