curb 1 of 2

verb

Definition of curbnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

curb

2 of 2

noun

ˈkərb How to pronounce curb (audio)
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
Virginia also enacted a bill that aims to curb the addictive nature of social media by limiting users under 16 to one hour per day of social media use unless parents consent, which took effect in January. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Feb. 2026 Hochul recently signed positive legislation to curb predatory litigation-lending practices, but more needs to be done to ensure these funding contracts do not remain hidden from courts and those involved in the litigation. —Elizabeth Heck, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
American officials are seeking to press for an end to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, curbs on ballistic missiles and a halt to support for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026 The woman and children, who were not handcuffed, were being detained on a curb over the hour that neighbors watched. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
  1. regulate
  2. restriction
  3. control
  4. constraint
  5. restrain
  6. limitation
  7. contain
  8. keep
Verb
  • One of the major issues was that the federal government did not regulate it, and states and localities operated on different schedules.
    — Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 Feb. 2026
  • This nutrient helps regulate your heartbeat and supports healthy muscle function.
    — Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of regulate
Noun
  • The company also points out that pigeons can operate in areas where drones face airspace restrictions.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The golden mussel is a serious threat, and officials say most boat owners seem to understand that and accept the new restrictions.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of restriction
Verb
  • And on the other side, artists can really control what the narratives are about them.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The story about a woman, who is considered a cursed bride, and her husband, who pretends to be possessed in an attempt to control her, is the first all-Pakistani feature at the Berlin International Film Festival, which has in the past featured Pakistani co-productions.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • Experts point to restricted access to advanced chips and limited capital as lingering constraints.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Shein says Iran may be stalling diplomatically to see whether Washington limits talks to nuclear issues while avoiding missile constraints.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of constraint
Verb
  • Consumer demand is their, but their spending power is restrained.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
  • All four were ejected and were joined by coach Charles Lee in the fourth quarter after Lee went on the floor and had to be restrained by Brandon Miller to keep him from really confronting the officials.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of restrain
Noun
  • The study, which was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, had several limitations, the researchers acknowledged.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Experts say another common and often overlooked limitation of anticoagulants is that even with the newer generation of the drugs, doctors need to take care to prescribe the appropriate drug and dose for a patient.
    — David Cox, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of limitation
Verb
  • Wright, who formerly worked as a detective, said the video contains apparent facial features such as a mustache and that investigators should be able to calculate height, shoe size and brands of clothing.
    — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Her life’s work was stolen early Monday when thieves swiped a shipping box containing many of her puppets from outside her Beachwood Canyon apartment.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Pape Matar Sarr and Xavi Simons picked up the ball in dangerous areas, Dominic Solanke dragged Harry Maguire out of position, and Destiny Udogie kept flashing crosses into the box.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Reports of federal officers near schools and homes continue to circulate on chat groups and social media, keeping many immigrant families in their homes.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of keep

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curb
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Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curb

Nglish: Translation of curb for Spanish Speakers

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