Here are some synonyms for "in check" and their analyses:
1. Controlled
- Meaning: "Controlled" means to have power or influence over something so that it remains within certain limits or behaves in a desired way. For example, "The spread of the virus was controlled through strict quarantine measures." When something is "in check," it implies a state of being under control. "Controlled" emphasizes the active management or regulation of a situation, object, or behavior to prevent it from getting out of hand.
2. Restrained
- Meaning: "Restrained" means to hold back or keep under control, often by means of physical or mental force. For example, "His anger was restrained, and he remained calm." In the context of "in check," "restrained" focuses on the act of curbing or suppressing something. It gives the sense that there is an internal or external force that is preventing a particular impulse, action, or growth from becoming excessive.
3. Constrained
- Meaning: "Constrained" means to be restricted or limited in some way. For example, "The project's scope was constrained by the available budget." Similar to "in check," it implies that there are boundaries or limitations that are keeping something in a particular state. However, "constrained" often emphasizes the external factors such as rules, resources, or conditions that are imposing the restrictions, while "in check" can have a more general sense of something being managed or held back.
4. Curbed
- Meaning: "Curbed" means to check, restrain, or keep in check. For example, "The government curbed inflation through monetary policies." This synonym is very close to "in check" in meaning. It implies a deliberate act of limiting or controlling something that might otherwise grow or expand in an undesirable way. "Curbed" often gives the impression of a more forceful or decisive action to keep a situation or behavior under control.
5. Managed
- Meaning: "Managed" means to handle or control a situation, activity, or resource in an organized and effective way. For example, "The team managed their time well to meet the project deadline." In the context of "in check," "managed" emphasizes the aspect of taking responsibility for keeping things in order. It implies a sense of oversight and the use of strategies to ensure that everything is running smoothly and within the desired parameters.