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

Examples of curb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Meanwhile, a free press keeps people informed; the rule of law fuels innovation, by curbing corruption and protecting intellectual property; and independent agencies check power and implement regulations to promote clean water, breathable air, and safe food. —Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024

With no policing by the Lebanese government and no grounds for the U.N. to enter the country to dismantle Hezbollah’s growing arms cache, little was done over the past 18 years to curb offensive operations launched from Lebanon into Israel. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Oct. 2024

Noun

So if the status quo sticks, Lachlan will have to contend with James, Elisabeth and Prudence, who could very well collectively kick Lachlan to the curb. —Kim Masters, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024

Add larger-than-life characters, such as blow-up lawn figures or set up a maze from the curb to your treat distribution point. —Nafeesah Allen, Parents, 30 Sep. 2024