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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in halt
the stopping of a process or activity the announcement of bad news gave a sudden check to the celebration

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Experts are racing to find solutions to keep the onslaught in check. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025 As recently as Thursday, a background check still showed Buckholz as having been charged with multiple felonies in October. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
Those who file online can check the status of their returns after 24 hours have passed from the file date. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 The platform claims to help writers complete scripts faster, check for plagiarism, ensure character and dialogue consistency, and analyze script quality. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 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
  • Kent Nishimura | Getty Images Trump is targeting Sen. Mitch McConnell and three other Republican senators in a critical Truth Social post, urging them to oppose a bill that would undo U.S. tariffs on Canada.
    — Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jesse Pound,Christina Wilkie,Megan Cassella,Erin Doherty, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
  • France: The lower house of Parliament passed a bill that expands the definition of rape to include nonconsensual penetration.
    — Natasha Frost, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Upon inspection, officers found that McKenzie was not licensed to drive the 18-wheeler and that the truck’s grain hopper trailer contained 18 people.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The park has reportedly denied access to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and local health department authorities attempting to conduct inspections in the recent past.
    — Dylan Gentile, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of inspection
Noun
  • His parents also spoke during the sentencing and in their statements expressed the pain of losing their son and anger with the Idaho Department of Correction for housing their him with James Johnson.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Anti-Defamation League has a running list of Albanese’s statements that have been deemed to be antisemitic.
    — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of statement
Noun
  • As a result, many travelers are taking a closer look at their airline tickets and wondering what, exactly, these regional carriers are.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • That way, everyone who paid extra for the home opener would still go to the first home game that day, and everyone who bought tickets to the Saturday game wouldn’t have had to change plans.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Improper restriction and exclusion of ill food service employees.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There are no gestational age restrictions, although most abortions are performed during the first trimester and those after 23 weeks require specialized care.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • The company’s drillers then inject water into the well, prying open the stone fissures and creating an artificial reservoir.
    — Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump’s endorsement of Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) for Florida governor is revealing fissures among the state’s Republicans in a state that has become the center of the GOP universe.
    — Julia Manchester, The Hill, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • One unique thing Reno fit into it is a short sound around the 1:35 mark that sounds like a car screeching to a halt.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Rather than dwell on this possibility, or call for a halt to further investments until the federal funding picture resolves, supervisors instead took turns bidding Bergmann farewell and welcoming acting director Nadia Privara.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The scale is finely graduated in kilometers and corresponds to the duration divided by the speed of sound (approximately 1,240 km/h).
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of correspond

Phrases Containing check

Browse Nearby Words

cheats
check
checkable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/check. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on check

Nglish: Translation of check for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about check

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All