curb 1 of 2

curb

2 of 2

noun

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
The Trump administration has proposed slashing hundreds of millions in federal funding from school safety grants, youth mentoring programs and gang intervention networks, which research shows can help curb crime. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 Major deals on Ukraine and curbing migrant boat crossings seem unlikely but even more humble announcements would illustrate a further resetting of the relationship between the two nations. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Noun
The road work includes the installation of new curb and gutter as well as storm drainage improvements. Detour routes will be in place using Mt. Hebron, Garrett and Rainbow roads, the release states. arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025 The recent rally in Nvidia has come despite geopolitical tensions and ongoing chip curbs that have hampered sales to China. Samantha Subin,kif Leswing, CNBC, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for curb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curb
Verb
  • These entities have proliferated ever since the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which effectively struck down longtime campaign finance regulations that sought to limit and regulate spending on political campaigns.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • In every case, the central question judges have had to decide is whether local or state governments can be allowed to essentially regulate air emissions, which have always been regulated at the national level for compelling reasons.
    David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Justice Department stopped defending federal handgun rule In a move alarming to groups working to prevent gun violence, the DOJ declined to continue to defend a federal law setting 21 as the minimum age to own a handgun after an appeals court ruled the restriction unconstitutional.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • The move comes as Brazilian authorities ordered Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and imposed strict restrictions on his movement and communications.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • In the nuclear era, for example, the U.S. government controlled the new technology, and planners had two decades to develop policy frameworks before a nuclear rival emerged.
    MATAN CHOREV, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025
  • The home country of this dark and enduring masterpiece from 1985 is the eerily-retrograde Republic of Gilead, in which women who once held jobs and led independent lives are now strictly controlled and monitored, valued only for their ovaries and their obedience.
    Dan Fesperman July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Davis is a magnetic front man, and the Roadhouse Band is an intoxicatingly raucous live outfit, but the constraints of the setup suited his new material, which is suffused with listlessness and yearning, dark jokes and wordy disquisitions on desire.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • The graphic novel format gave him the freedom to imagine without limitation—unbound by the logistical constraints of filmmaking.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Video posted to social media by a passenger showed law enforcement escorting a man off the plane with his hands restrained behind his back.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
  • Farrell was then restrained by crew members and escorted off stage.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • This can result in compromises on certain ideas and slower development as your team contends with the platform's limitations.
    Andrii Kovalchuk, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • This is especially relevant for those who can't upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The fruit contains a high water content and has many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
  • The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • In their appeal, the federal government’s attorneys said the plaintiffs can keep representing kids through other funding, such as private donors or pro bono services.
    Nicol León, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Here's how to keep your pets safe Temps feel like 100-plus in weather forecast for Columbus, Cincinnati; Akron pushes 100 degrees In Cincinnati, the high temperature today, July 21, will reach 85 degrees, per the NWS forecast with the chance of showers or storms in the afternoon.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curb. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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