check 1 of 2

Definition of checknext
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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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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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check

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verb

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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

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
The most durable version of this isn’t a one-time sponsorship check. Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026 Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Staff, Oklahoman, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
This is handy for those who don’t always want to check their phone when notified, especially when an immediate response isn’t necessary. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Some low-income services are temporarily suspended until further notice, but keep checking the page for updates. Audrina Sinclair, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for check
Recent Examples of Synonyms for check
Noun
  • The bill, which does not mention PMPS by name, covers complications including chronic pain.
    Brett Kelman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Ellary Tucker Williams, legislative and community engagement coordinator for the Department of Fish and Game, also testified and said the Fish and Game Commission, which approves rules and regulations for the agency, supported the bill.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Vietnamese food stand inside an Asian grocery store did not need a follow-up inspection.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The bottles were moved to the correct area during the inspection.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • When her mother was charged with making false statements and they were separated, the toddler was sent to the custody of the ORR, which cares for immigrant children in shelter or foster settings.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • In a statement, Blanca Gallegos, a spokesperson for SEIU Local 99, said Thursday the union continues to be open to discussions with the district.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Staffers can arrange transportation, set up beach gear, book tickets, and everything in between.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Hochheiser’s ticket out of Villa Rosa was COVID.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Alarmed civic officials across the West have already begun ordering restrictions on watering lawns, cleaning cars and even whether restaurant patrons get served glasses of water.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Regional restrictions may apply.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Upon cracking, the perlite beads purposely shattered, releasing nutrients and spores into the fissure.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Miles and Ed are coming at the challenges of Mars-Earth relations and Marsie autonomy from totally different angles, and there are clearly fissures within SDM itself.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • It has not been publicly released, and DHS did not respond to requests to explain if the halt was permanent.
    Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The idea to launch a podcast began during the pandemic, when touring — and the world — came to a screeching halt.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In her experience, 15% often corresponds to about 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
    Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Each pitch outcome has corresponding odds and users have a limited timeframe to choose whether to wager.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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