as in controlled
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as in regulated
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
try to curb your curiosity when it comes to your neighbors' business
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Recent Examples of curbed
Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
While the recommendations could discourage Americans from spending at restaurants — especially at a time when high inflation has curbed trips to dine out — some pockets of the industry had a positive reaction to the changes.
—Kate Rogers,amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Even more public-identifying figures on Letterboxd — like Sean Baker — have curbed their activity on the platform, and other stars like Ayo Edebiri (and now Williams) deleted their accounts entirely.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2026
That hasn’t curbed optimism for 2026.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
Raskin's resolution is widely seen as legally toothless because the Constitution grants Trump broad pardon powers that cannot be curbed by Congress.
—Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025
Someday the unions’ power will have to be curbed and real reform implemented.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025
Iran has curbed its military activities in the region since the 12-day Israeli bombing campaign in June, which was joined by the United States.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
While lawmakers in Tallahassee have since passed sweeping tort reform that significantly curbed litigation in the state, homeowners in Florida still pay some of the highest home insurance premiums in the country.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The lack of sufficient post-conflict planning—about what would happen after Gaddafi’s regime was toppled—curbed enthusiasm for future collective security efforts in Syria and elsewhere.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Calf and ankle injuries unfortunately curbed a few of his opportunities down the stretch.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
While the recommendations could discourage Americans from spending at restaurants — especially at a time when high inflation has curbed trips to dine out — some pockets of the industry had a positive reaction to the changes.
—Kate Rogers,amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Even more public-identifying figures on Letterboxd — like Sean Baker — have curbed their activity on the platform, and other stars like Ayo Edebiri (and now Williams) deleted their accounts entirely.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2026
That hasn’t curbed optimism for 2026.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
Raskin's resolution is widely seen as legally toothless because the Constitution grants Trump broad pardon powers that cannot be curbed by Congress.
—Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025
Someday the unions’ power will have to be curbed and real reform implemented.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025
Iran has curbed its military activities in the region since the 12-day Israeli bombing campaign in June, which was joined by the United States.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
While lawmakers in Tallahassee have since passed sweeping tort reform that significantly curbed litigation in the state, homeowners in Florida still pay some of the highest home insurance premiums in the country.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curbed
Adjective
-
Not in an overly aggressive way, just pretty controlled, moving the ball around.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
-
This concentration of energy creates a tiny, controlled burn that interrupts the faulty circuit causing the tremor.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
There’s a kind of social contract under which utilities operate essentially as monopolies to provide a public service and in exchange are regulated.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.—
Jack Armstrong,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There are students who feel inhibited from expressing their Jewish or Zionist identity because of the atmosphere of the atmosphere of intimidation or harassment on college campuses.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Nini and Lali seemed happier without him—more relaxed, less inhibited.—
Tao Lin,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Pato told her to focus on the assignment, said a quotient meant how many times something is contained in another thing, stop resting her chin in her hands and hold the pencil properly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Everything stays contained and easy to access, even mid-trip.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
His multicourse omakase shows off the chef’s restrained minimalist Edomae style and love of aged fish.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In response, Watson has pushed for a more restrained budget process, tighter oversight of city finances and a systemwide evaluation of how City Hall delivers services — all aimed at restoring transparency and credibility.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The pair have been linked since 2023 when they were seen enjoying a boat ride in Italy and have kept their relationship private ever since.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The rapper has largely kept details about the album under wraps, though its creative direction has been framed as a continuation of his long-standing interest in fashion, film and boundary-pushing visuals.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Insurrection Act, or its predecessors, have been invoked 30 times in American history since George Washington utilized it to suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Shortly after, Noble says the town suppressed who was able to see the video and that Carney took a leave of absence for several weeks.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And the state’s economic productivity, as measured by GDP, actually saw a small boost, Torres said, likely in part because of more technological integration represented by artificial intelligence.—
Trevor Bach,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Usage patterns shift when viewing is measured solely on connected TV sets, where subscription services and FAST platforms remain highly competitive.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curbed. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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