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
Raskin condemned the administration’s efforts to curb public education, contending President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon can’t abolish the agency without congressional approval. ABC News, 3 July 2025 Cincinnati officials announced during a May 14 press conference that events and services would be expanded for youth this summer in an effort to curb crime and violence. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
Upon responding, officers encountered a car parked on the curb facing backwards, with an unresponsive man inside. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025 Western auto industry groups have been hit particularly hard by the export curbs, with many increasingly concerned about production outages. Sam Meredith,dylan Butts, CNBC, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
Verb
  • Unlike medications, supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 July 2025
  • Camps nationwide are regulated in a number of ways in order to prevent tragedies.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The company said in a statement that inventory value adjustments and the impact of U.S. restrictions on advanced AI chips for China had contributed to the decline in profits.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • Starting in the 1970s, home construction plummeted and prices soared in high-opportunity coastal cities because of restrictions on supply.
    Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • While Congress ultimately controls NASA’s budget, Trump’s goals are to cut its workforce, reduce commitments to the International Space Station, shut down nearly 1/3 of its science missions and focus on moon and Mars plans.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Greater Robustness And Reliability: Better equipped to handle out-of-distribution data and novel scenarios safely and reliably by incorporating safety parameters, constraints and logical invariants.
    Anuradha Weeraman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • But as a two-term governor in a blue state, Pritzker has the luxury of not having to make a choice under the usual constraints of seeking a political advantage, said Robin Johnson, a governmental relations, public policy and political consultant.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • There have been no recorded shoe bombings, in the sky or on the ground, since passengers and crew subdued and restrained Reid on that 2001 flight.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
  • Crew members and passengers noticed and restrained him.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 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
  • But signals intelligence also has limitations, as overheard snippets of conversations sometimes lack context and must be paired with other information for a fuller picture of events.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Oysters contain an inordinate amount of zinc and copper, and the amino acids proline and lysine, precursors of collagen.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • As of Monday evening, the fire crew effectively contained 65% of the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.
    Essence, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Something that will keep you cool, while offering a modicum of protection from any sinister objects lurking in your path.
    Olivia Allen, Vogue, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on curb

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