in check

ADJECTIVE

restrained

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discreet laid-back mild muted reasonable reticent subdued tasteful unobtrusive

STRONG

chilled controlled cool moderate plain retiring shrinking steady withdrawn

WEAK

bottled-up calm and collected conservative corked up in charge inobtrusive on a leash self-controlled soft temperate unaffable undemonstrative under control under wraps unexcessive unexpansive unextreme uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

communicative

STRONG

extroverted friendly outgoing

WEAK

assured bold confident

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The company quickly raised prices and kept marketing spending in check.

From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026

Bank Indonesia lifted its base lending rate to 5.25 percent, it said, to help stabilise the devaluing rupiah and keep inflation in check.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

By keeping the population of mid-level predators in check, they help protect resources lower down on the food chain — allowing vegetation, streamside habitat and other wildlife species to thrive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

The labor market also is being held in check by softer population growth after the federal government scaled back immigration targets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

When later there is a resurgence of the insect population, as almost always happens, the birds are not there to keep their numbers in check.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

in check

Example Sentences

Related Words