BRIDLE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'bridle' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bridle are check , curb , and restrain . While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in. // bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Q: Where would 'check' be a reasonable alternative to 'bridle'?

The meanings of check and bridle largely overlap; however, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus. // trying to check government spending

Q: When could 'curb' be used to replace 'bridle'?

Although the words curb and bridle have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking. // learn to curb your appetite

Q: When would 'restrain' be a good substitute for 'bridle'?

The words restrain and bridle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes. // restrained themselves from laughing

bridle

verb

Definition of bridle next

as in to control

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful

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How does the verb bridle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bridle are check, curb, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," 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 bridle?

The meanings of check and bridle largely overlap; however, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

When could curb be used to replace bridle?

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

learn to curb your appetite

When would restrain be a good substitute for bridle?

The words restrain and bridle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 bridle Part of it was Li Na herself, who had bridled under and then broken away from the state system, which traditionally controlled the tournaments its players participated in, and obligated a player to commit a large percentage of professional earnings to the government. —

Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 1 Sep. 2024 In a workplace, they’re expected to be helpmeets while also being held up as tokens of acceptance, a dynamic the characters bridle against and use to their advantage. —

Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2024 But at least one key lawmaker bridled at campaign donations the president made for this month’s GOP primary. —

Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2024 The organizers handily won their NLRB vote in September but the newly unionized workers soon bridled against delays in negotiating their first contract. —

Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bridle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bridle

Verb

The Uruguay international found Vinicius Jr, who produced two masterful touches, controlling the ball with his right and finishing with his left to make it 5-0.

— Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Aaron Johnson, a Vero Beach attorney who has represented Lowell inmates, said that consent, or lack thereof, is difficult to define when guards control every aspect of a woman’s life.

— Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025