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

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

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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

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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

After the high court curbed lower courts' ability to issue nationwide injunctions, another challenge was filed in New Hampshire on behalf of all children who would be covered by the birthright citizenship policy. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The proposal is modeled on a similar measure Democrats included in their 2022 tax-and-health care law designed to curb costs for the diabetes drug in the Medicare health insurance program for seniors. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 29 June 2026

Noun

Technology led to the suspect's arrest Officers obtained doorbell camera footage, which showed a silver SUV stopping along a curb on Majors Choice Drive. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 July 2026 After weeks of testing, Fable 5 is no longer vulnerable to a bypassing method discovered by Amazon researchers that identified several software vulnerabilities and triggered the export curbs. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for curb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb

Verb

The clinical version dates to research in the 1960s and 1970s, when devices tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension and skin temperature to help people regulate what was once considered automatic.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
The chronic disease, which impairs the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar, contributed to 94,445 deaths that year.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of regulate

Noun

Her remarks come amid mounting allegations that military restrictions slowed aid deliveries and prevented civilians—and in some cases rescue crews—from getting to critical areas during the early phase of the emergency.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Davidson is one of several parents who are a part of a local movement to advocate for more regulation and restrictions on using technology in classrooms.

— Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Definition of restriction

Verb

Russia meanwhile has claimed that its forces now control the important town of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
The plant also can be controlled by applying a nonselective herbicide, but that will not save digging.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of control

Noun

Her colleague Maria Amato adds a harder constraint — the most effective leadership development happens on the job, inside the relationships management layers exist to create.

— Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
How supply chains are slowing defense production S&P Global Ratings found the same constraint.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Definition of constraint

Verb

In California…there has been little success in restraining these abuses over the past decade.

— Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Croc Docs researcher Eric Suarez and Cole with the SFWMD restrained the python while Welty drew blood from a vein near the base of her tail.

— Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of restrain

Noun

There won't be any ticket limitations per customer, and parking will be free.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 30 June 2026
The researchers addressed that limitation by increasing the surface area of the carbon electrode and loading it with vanadium oxide, a material that can store a large amount of energy.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

Definition of limitation

Verb

This version from Quince has a separate compartment for a laptop, as well as two separate sections to keep the remaining belongings organized.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Beyond their cool-girl air, the shoes offer plenty of support and cushioning thanks to their plush insoles that keep your arches comfortable for hours of strutting.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of keep

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“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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