check 1 of 2

noun

Definition of checknext
1
as in bill
the amount owed at a bar or restaurant or the slip of paper stating the amount diners at that temple of gastronomy often look shocked when they receive the check

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in inspection
a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition made a careful check of the antique table before buying it

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in statement
a record of goods sold or services performed together with the costs due request a detailed check from the company before sending any money

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4
as in ticket
a small sheet of plastic, paper, or paperboard showing that the bearer has a claim to something (as admittance) handed over a check for his coat

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5
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the judiciary is intended to be a check on the executive and legislative branches of government

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in fissure
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure the network of fine checks on the surface would indicate that the painting is quite old

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7
as in halt
the stopping of a process or activity the announcement of bad news gave a sudden check to the celebration

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

check

2 of 2

verb

ˈchek How to pronounce check (audio)
1
as in to correspond
to be in agreement on every point their story of what happened checks with the report of the eyewitness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill a tree finally checked the skidding car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to keep
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) check your enthusiasm a bit, and think before you marry someone you just met

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb check contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of check are bridle, curb, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

In what contexts can bridle take the place of check?

While in some cases nearly identical to check, bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can curb be used instead of check?

Although the words curb and check have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

Where would restrain be a reasonable alternative to check?

In some situations, the words restrain and check are roughly equivalent. However, 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 check
Noun
On occasion, a sensor will send an alert to the control panel that stops the ride, similar to a 'check engine' light. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 13 May 2026 The bottom line Social Security benefits come with strong protections against private debt collectors, but federal creditors — including the IRS, the Department of Education and domestic support enforcement agencies — can and will reach your monthly check under specific conditions. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Verb
One night, producers from SNL came to check it out, and the rest is history. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 For updates, check the Elgin Police Department Facebook page. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
  1. bill
  2. inspection
  3. statement
  4. ticket
  5. restriction
  6. fissure
  7. halt
  8. correspond
Noun
  • Its all-inclusive concept means there’s no fussing about signing bills after lunch or scanning the activities list for prices, which sets the tone for a proper toes-in-the-sand break on one of the country’s prettiest islands.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • Most bills are subject to a filibuster and thus need 60 votes for passage — meaning Republicans must find some Democratic support in the 53-47 Senate.
    — Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Washington says the largest airport in the country already received perfect scores on multiple Federal Aviation Administration safety inspections, including airfield safety and perimeter integrity.
    — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • So, unlike a restaurant inspected by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, failing an inspection doesn’t close Nattal.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • On the one-year anniversary of Wilson's death back in February, Southern University announced its plans to honor him with a posthumous degree and shared a statement remembering the late student.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • The nonprofit’s statement did not reference the permitting process, but highlighted the importance of keeping the event running for the LGBTQ+ community.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Definition of statement
Noun
  • In January, 2019, amid the popular uprising that would ultimately dissolve Bashir’s government, Ibrahim’s employer assisted the family in obtaining visas and plane tickets to Jordan.
    — Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • The budget carrier shut down on May 2, eliminating one of the country’s biggest providers of ultra-cheap airfares just as fuel prices and summer travel demand are already pushing ticket costs higher.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • The order, which escalated the president's bid to place new restrictions on voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, is being challenged in court.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 May 2026
  • Fans, legislators and even some sports leagues have begun calling for restrictions on gambling ads.
    — Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • People with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, rectal bleeding, heart disease, or high blood pressure should also avoid the procedure, Hazan says.
    — Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026
  • But there are fissures in the-- in the regime.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 May 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • The closing scene, from Cleveland’s perspective, was pain, the sting of a blown 3-1 series lead and the screeching halt of an improbable, magical journey.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Eventually, the whole charge pump will grind to a halt, leaving no current flow.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • The team waived tight end Bryce Pierre and running back Montrell Johnson in corresponding moves.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
  • Each Weekly Voting Period will correspond to a group of three (3) finalists, with one (1) Weekly Voting Period occurring per week over five (5) consecutive weeks.
    — Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Definition of correspond

Phrases Containing check

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cheats
check
checkable
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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on check

Nglish: Translation of check for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about check

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