Synonyms of curb

curb 1 of 2

verb

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

• regulate
• control
• restrain
• contain
• keep
• measure
• stifle
• suppress
• inhibit
• tame
• stop
• rule
• constrain
• check
• govern
• hold
• rein (in)
• bridle
• pull in
• interrupt
• choke (back)
• swallow
• hinder
• block
• impede
• smother
• repress
• hold back
• strangle
• arrest
• squelch
• obstruct
• hamper
• sink
• muffle
• silence
• bottle (up)
• pocket
• mince
• muzzle
• handcuff
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• loosen
• liberate
• loose
• express
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

curb

2 of 2

noun

ˈkərb 

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

• restriction
• constraint
• limitation
• restraint
• condition
• prohibition
• check
• stricture
• exception
• ban
• fetter
• circumscription
• stipulation
• proviso
• strings
• reservation
• qualification
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

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

Recent Examples of curb

Verb

Supporters argue that a smaller federal government promotes efficiency, curbs wasteful spending and lowers taxes—thereby spurring economic growth. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

When the city of Wuhan urgently needed mobile isolation wards to curb the spread of Covid-19, Haier leveraged their open digital supply chain platform to deliver in record time. —Harvard Business Review, 19 Feb. 2025

Noun

Likewise, drivers can better see — and stop for — pedestrians at the curb. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2025

The project also includes curb extensions to shorten crossing distances. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025