curb 1 of 2

verb

Definition of curbnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

curb

2 of 2

noun

ˈkərb How to pronounce curb (audio)
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

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 curb
Verb
Strategies to curb overeating include avoiding restrictive diets, managing stress, identifying triggers, and avoiding restrictive diets. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Apr. 2025 Those include the stock market crashing in 1929 due to factors like overproduction in certain industries following World War I and monetary policy aimed at curbing market speculation, according to a Federal Reserve historical analysis. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
The law prohibits parking near marked and unmarked crosswalks and whether or not there is a red curb or no-parking signs. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 Over time, the toll of our morning battles on the school’s curb extended beyond my son’s attendance. —Elizabeth Austin, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
  1. regulate
  2. restriction
  3. control
  4. constraint
  5. restrain
  6. limitation
  7. contain
  8. keep
Verb
  • Aside from crime, the advisory spotlights the dangers around jet skiing and boating in the Bahamas, noting that the boating industry is not well regulated and some watercraft are not licensed, which has led to injury and death.
    — Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Public health groups had already sued the FDA for not moving fast enough to review the products after the agency, in 2016, finalized rules for regulating them under the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of regulate
Noun
  • 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
  • Improper restriction and exclusion of ill food service employees.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of restriction
Verb
  • They’re more geared toward controlling it, with uniform requirements that do more to hinder progress than protect the marketplace.
    — Mary Anna Mancuso, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In the second half, with a solid lead, the Wolverines continued to control the tempo, and their defense held strong, shutting out the Mustangs.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Lynch’s installment, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood, is executive produced by Angela Bassett and Academy Award winner Halle Berry, and highlights Black women who have led films while navigating a different set of expectations, constraints, and pressures.
    — Essence, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
  • For conservatives who genuinely care about limiting executive power and enforcing constitutional constraints, these tariffs present a moment of truth.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of constraint
Verb
  • Hansi Flick was seen restraining the Brazilian, who headed down the tunnel clearly enraged.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The state’s strongest piece of evidence against Pratt was his DNA found on a roll of duct tape that was used to restrain the victims.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of restrain
Noun
  • Hamidreza Azizi, a research fellow at German think tank SWP Berlin, told Newsweek Tuesday despite ever closer ties between Tehran and Moscow, the limitations of their bilateral relationship had always been evident.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This means there will be limitations on who can view their content, see their profile information, and more.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of limitation
Verb
  • This post contains spoilers from The Handmaid’s Tale‘s Season 6 premiere.
    — Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Add some salty foods to your diet, such as soup and sports drinks, as well as foods that contain potassium, like bananas and fruit juice.
    — Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • For theater lovers, the ever-changing lineup of new productions, revivals, and experimental pieces offers endless reasons to keep coming back.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Powell’s focus on inflation suggests that the Fed will likely keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at about 4.3% in the coming months.
    — Time, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of keep

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curb
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Cite this Entry

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

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