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

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Other interactions included welfare checks reported by property owners about Roley's vehicle, the sheriff said. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 30 June 2025 About 12 minutes later, the crook showed up at a Pay-O-Matic check cashing service on Utica Ave. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
Health officials have noted difficulties reaching some of the city's most vulnerable students to check for lead. —Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025 Part of the process of being approved meant the animal shelter checking with your veterinarian as a reference. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 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
  • But his threats failed, the bill passed and now Musk’s search for retribution will test American politics in new ways.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2025
  • While Democrats said that the record-breaking debt of $36 trillion will only grow larger over the next 10 years because of the deficit spending, Trump counters that the 940-page bill will lead to economic growth.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Expect a push for greater transparency in association finances, reserve studies and inspection reports.
    — Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • The Bee publishes weekly updates on health inspections across Sacramento County.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • In a statement, the CHP said the shooter aimed the gunfire at a black Tesla Model 3.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • In June, members issued a statement saying they were committed to boosting security but stopped short of endorsing any specific measures.
    — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • The tournament is proud to offer a chance to queue up for same-day tickets; a grounds pass for a day of tennis costs thirty pounds.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
  • According to Friday exit polls, 68 percent of Superman ticket buyers were male, while nearly two-thirds of the audience were between the ages of 18 and 34.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Starting in the 1970s, home construction plummeted and prices soared in high-opportunity coastal cities because of restrictions on supply.
    — Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
  • The company said in a statement that inventory value adjustments and the impact of U.S. restrictions on advanced AI chips for China had contributed to the decline in profits.
    — Dylan Butts, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • On the ceiling of their room, there was a rather large water mark and an accompanying crack and fissure.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • The standoff encapsulates many of Thailand’s long-running political fissures: Shinawatra’s family has dominated its politics for decades, but has faced opposition from its powerful military, courts, and groups tied to the monarchy.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • About three-quarters of the way through the video, the song screeches to a halt, as the video shows four men listening to a boombox.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 July 2025
  • On the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said Trump emphasized his push for a quick halt to the fighting, and Putin voiced Moscow’s readiness to pursue talks with Kyiv, noting the previous rounds in Turkey yielded humanitarian results.
    — Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • That corresponded to images shot Sunday by Maxar Technologies similarly showing the ongoing work.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
  • Instead, subscribers answer questions online, correspond with medical professionals virtually and get the prescribed drugs in visually pleasing packages delivered discreetly to their homes.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 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 18 Jul. 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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