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chilled controlled cool moderate plain retiring shrinking steady withdrawn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.

See Examples For:

in check

As apex predators, they keep the population of midlevel predators in check, allowing vegetation and other wildlife species lower on the food chain to thrive.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

When Trump ran again in 2024, he managed to keep much of that behavior in check.

From Salon ● Jul. 2, 2026

Camel number are kept in check by mustering, shooting and trapping at water points.

From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026

The CEO of Tri Pointe Homes, a home builder, has suggested that expectations around the legislation should be kept in check.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026

He seemed frustrated, anxious, as if he wanted to explode into action and was only just being held in check.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

in check

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words