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
  • College leaders don’t want to recognize the athletes as employees, but that comes at a cost: NCAA attempts to regulate the market in arguably logical ways swiftly face antitrust lawsuits.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Through its Kigali Amendment, the treaty now also targets powerful climate-warming gases. CITES continues to regulate international wildlife trade, curbing the exploitation of endangered species and protecting biodiversity across the planet.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of regulate
Noun
  • Some regulators might see stablecoins as competition to or complementary with CBDCs, leading to either tighter restrictions or new forms of partnership.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Other states are also debating whether to remove transfer restrictions.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of restriction
Verb
  • Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Finding new ways to control blood sugar was the perfect test case.
    — Alice Park, Time, 17 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
  • Rosemary restrained herself from scratching at her wig.
    — Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Education Trump says Education Department will no longer oversee student loans, 'special needs' Over 100,000 U.S. public school students were secluded or restrained during the 2017-2018 school year, according to federal data.
    — Dylan Peers McCoy, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of restrain
Noun
  • Despite its impressive findings, the study did have some limitations.
    — Sarah Garone, Health, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The cooperative’s governing documents guide the board’s decisions, outlining specific responsibilities and limitations.
    — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of limitation
Verb
  • The guests-only 14th floor contains the outdoor pool—stretched along the building’s edge with bang-on skyline views—and the Living Room, a clubhouse where Capella hosts events like an Evening Ritual hour with complimentary cocktails and canapés.
    — Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt contains 17 grams of protein in a three-quarter cup serving.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Below are the ones that will help keep the area around your nose clear and irritation-free.
    — Daley Quinn, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Most of the soups’ packaging carried instructions to keep the soups frozen until ready to use.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of keep

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Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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