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

Trade tensions between the EU and China have grown in recent months, with both sides imposing or considering curbs on each other’s imports. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Most glaringly, Nvidia continues to work with at least one entity that the US has recently flagged as potentially evading export curbs. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 But this time, the curbs come as diesel markets are already contending with diminished supply. — New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The circular noted that as much as $7 billion could flow into domestic Saudi assets from money market funds under new curbs on overseas investments. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 Chinese tech firms showcased advances in chipmaking, despite US curbs on access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Residents are asked to keep piles organized at their curbs, take photos before collection for insurance purposes, move vehicles off the street and not to mix debris types. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 The cab curbs come as the BBC recently published senior management expense claims for the first quarter of its 2025/26 financial year. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 But outright bans or vague curbs afford no opportunities for students to better understand how to work ethically and effectively with AI. — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curbs

Verb

Whether Apple is actually preparing that product is besides the point, Luria added that just the possibility shows how limited Oura’s competitive position could be against a company that controls the entire iPhone ecosystem.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
The local administrative official reporter spoke to said the ELN controls both sides of the Colombia-Venezuela border and demands money for everything that transits through the area, not just drugs.

— Nathan Jaccard, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of controls

Noun

In August, Beijing announced new restrictions on developers' ability to sell unfinished properties.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Others have called for restrictions on data centers, such as requiring that their energy consumption does not add to others’ utility bills.

— Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrictions

Verb

The legislation requires the California Public Utility Commission, which regulates PG&E, to provide by January 2028 a report with recommendations for how utility companies can put aside enough funding to make up the 30% shortfall.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The commission also regulates lobbying and can issue penalties for fundraising and other infractions.

— Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of regulates

Noun

Stock markets are soaring to fresh record highs, even as the bond market sounds the alarm on fiscal constraints.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Many have been feeling the squeeze as costs for inputs like diesel, fertilizer and seed have soared thanks to refinery constraints and supply disruptions amid the Iran war.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of constraints

Verb

Advertisement Their collection contains nearly a hundred pieces by around 40 artists from the Black diaspora, including fellow honoree Sherald.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
In addition to that central pool, the spa complex contains a tepidarium (warm relaxation room), Byzantine hammam (steam room), salt cave, Watsu pool, yoga and fitness rooms, and an area for massages and other treatments.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of contains

Noun

There were limitations to the study, including the small group of volunteers, which consisted of more women than men, and a lack of variation in dog breeds, Li said.

— Gina Vivinetto, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
That said, even the most detailed traceability records have their limitations.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 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

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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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curbs

verb

noun

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