CURBS Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

curbs 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of curb

as in controls

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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curbs

2 of 2

noun

plural of curb

as in restrictions

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

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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 curbs

Noun

The latest move by Taipei — a central node in global semiconductor manufacturing — is a significant step in curtailing black market sales to Chinese companies seeking to bypass US curbs. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Even the yellow markings along British curbs had to disappear. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Ukraine and Starlink SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk said Wednesday that the White House was responsible for any curbs on Ukrainian access to the military-grade Starlink network. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 The 88 Ultima can be equipped with a traditional diesel propulsion system or a hybrid setup that curbs emissions. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026 The curbs include freezing any assets the officials might have in China; denial of visas and entry into China; prohibiting any Chinese individuals and organizations from cooperating with them. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Infrastructure funding would be used to maintain pavement, curbs, gutters, alleys, bridges and culverts throughout the city. — Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026 Workers included street signs and sidewalks, curbs and stretches of road damaged from the storm, from the heavy equipment that was brought in or trees falling, Kern said. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 But this time, the curbs come as diesel markets are already contending with diminished supply. — New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curbs

Verb

But physicists have long suspected that at a subatomic level, there is a something that inherently controls how fast these changes can occur.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
In fact, as Darman tutored me, the staff secretary sees and controls all information that goes to the President.

— Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of controls

Noun

The restrictions emerged just days after Trump admonished Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the press, calling on the leader to step down and hold wartime elections.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Officials say the deployment targets trafficking and cartel activity, but critics note crossings fell after asylum restrictions and much drug smuggling occurs through ports of entry.

— ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrictions

Verb

The medications work by blocking certain chemical messengers in the part of the brain that regulates body temperature and manages sleep/wake cycles, according to the guidance.

— Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
That finding is now being read against a parallel body of research on circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal clock that regulates eating, sleeping and other physiological processes.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of regulates

Noun

Both have built much of their appeal on opposition to the political establishment, the promise to wish away budget constraints, and deep hostility toward the European Union.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
The International Energy Agency has warned that constraints on the diesel market will likely keep prices elevated into the next year.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of constraints

Noun

None of it feels remotely tied to the zeitgeist, instead showing an artist galvanized by their own out-there proclivities and exhilarated by the limitations of whatever ramshackle gear might be lying around a home studio.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Ukraine’s Armed Forces learned about the Starshield terminals’ speed limitations from SpaceX customer support after filing a complaint about operational issues, and SpaceX provided no prior warning, according to the source.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of limitations

Verb

Farther down, the levee that restrains the rivers is a low line of trees into the horizon.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026
The constitutional exclusionary rule restrains government, not private parties, so the Fourth Amendment generally does not bar evidence wrongfully obtained by a private actor.

— Jihun Joun, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrains

Verb

Highly possible, yet the USA keeps assuring Ukranian leaders that the support of the United States is with them.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
One of cosmology’s greatest mysteries is the nature of dark energy—the invisible force that keeps the universe expanding at an ever-increasing rate.

— Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of keeps

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curbing

curbs

curbstone

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“Curbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curbs. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curbs

verb

noun

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