CURB Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

curb 1 of 2

verb

Definition of curb next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples 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

The Courier Journal also found efforts to curb the problem through better training for students and more accountability for coaches and other school employees have routinely failed at the hands of legislators in Frankfort. —

The Courier-Journal, 4 Dec. 2024 As the economy slowed, widespread salary cuts and layoffs also strained household budgets and curbed spending. —

Bloomberg, Fortune Asia, 3 Dec. 2024

Noun

The China threat has been dented by EU tariffs, but the effectiveness of the curb remains to be seen. —

Neil Winton, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 For those who know that wellness begins with moisturized skin, Levoit’s humidifier curbs dry winter air and is also 22% off right now. —

Sara Coughlin, SELF, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb

Verb

Similarly, Justice Elena Kagan questioned the practicality of assessing the environmental effects that an agency cannot regulate.

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024
This hormone is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and regulates sleep and wakefulness and tends to increase in the winter due to the lack of sunlight.

Sherri Gordon, Health, 9 Dec. 2024