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

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

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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
Experts are racing to find solutions to keep the onslaught in check. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025 As recently as Thursday, a background check still showed Buckholz as having been charged with multiple felonies in October. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
Those who file online can check the status of their returns after 24 hours have passed from the file date. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 The platform claims to help writers complete scripts faster, check for plagiarism, ensure character and dialogue consistency, and analyze script quality. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025 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
  • The bill introduced by Warren and Stansbury faces an uncertain future on Capitol Hill.
    — Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But these days the church is in disrepair and has been closed for two years because the gas bill could not be paid and the heat turned off.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Boar’s Head closed that facility in September after inspection reports revealed numerous problems, including model, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years, the Associated Press reported.
    — Addy Bink, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Folsom and Clementine program mirrors restrictions adopted across Northern California with boaters wishing to launch having a red quarantine seal for at least 30 days after a mandatory inspection.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • In a statement from Vasquez provided by CASA, an immigration advocacy group that is representing the family, Abrego Garcia's wife said her prayers have been answered.
    — Isabella Murray, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • With jury selection complete and a last-minute motions hearing out of the way, Karen Read's retrial on murder and other charges in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe is finally set to kick off with opening statements next week.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • Carey and Live Nation Las Vegas will donate $1 of every ticket purchased to Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM to The Fresh Air Fund's Camp Mariah.
    — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The league used to keep 45% of home ticket revenue in the playoffs versus 6% in the regular season.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Some regulators might see stablecoins as competition to or complementary with CBDCs, leading to either tighter restrictions or new forms of partnership.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Other states are also debating whether to remove transfer restrictions.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • In total, Microsoft has invested $13.75 billion in the startup, but more recently, fissures in the relationship between the two companies have begun to show.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The fissure of the volcanic eruption had broken through protective barriers around the town of Grindavik, and had reached 1,200 meters, or nearly 4,000 feet, in length.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • But Putin had other ideas, tying a halt in hostilities to the West readmitting certain Russian banks into the West’s financial network.
    — Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • More than 1,000 clinical trials have come to a halt across the country and world, ranging from cardiovascular disease treatment to HIV prevention, to childhood and adult cancer treatment.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice hosted the event to correspond with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an annual commemoration that promotes justice for victims.
    — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The Indiana Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks in the 4-5 matchup in the East, while the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat finished seventh through 10th, respectively, with corresponding Play-In matchups ahead.
    — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
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 24 Apr. 2025.

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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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