as in to control
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful
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Recent Examples of bridle
Well, bridled a little, in that Molly engages in some bondage play as the show goes on.
—
Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
The judge also bridled that OPM's acting director, Charles Ezell, and his senior adviser, Noah Peters, did not attend the hearing.
—Emily Feng, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Disney has had major friction with Charter Communications and DirecTV over the past couple of years as those operators have bridled at Disney’s demands for higher fees.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
Weaker firms may bridle at the costs of compliance; some will go out of business.
—James K. Galbraith, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2019
See All Example Sentences for bridle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bridle
Verb
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
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The farmers also pitched in with efforts of their own, including adjusting fertilizer methods, controlling soil erosion and increasing on-site water retention.—
Verb
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The court’s eventual ruling could have broad implications for how schools nationwide regulate transgender participation in athletics.—
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Additionally, sprouted whole-grain bread is significantly higher in blood-pressure-regulating minerals such as magnesium than bread made with refined white flour.—
Verb
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Prosecutors reject that claim, saying the decision was based on the strength of the evidence, Utah law and a desire to curb speculation and misinformation in a case that immediately drew national and international attention.—
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There has long been interest in curbing fees, and bipartisan bills to cap credit card interest rates at 10% have previously been introduced, highlighting potential appetite for the move.—
Verb
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From the eggshell umbrellas over the poolside daybeds to the rattan furniture, Épi is refreshingly restrained on a stretch of coast that has come to welcome excess.—
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In one camp are Vance, Witkoff, and Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, who have sought to restrain overseas commitments.—
Verb
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Mansfield Park contains a slow burning love story with Fanny’s cousin Edmund and delicious subplots concerning two charming, selfish siblings, but of chief interest are Fanny’s two aunts.—
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This single optical component contains many tiny lenses on one surface.—
Verb
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The coils on the back of the refrigerator should be brushed or vacuumed to keep dust buildup from affecting its performance.—
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Comfort classics like the Hoka Women’s Bondi 9s and New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4s will keep your feet cushioned, supported, and pain-free on long travel days.—
Verb
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The supply of homes for sale rose throughout much of 2025 and reached a five-year high in July, helping to tame prices especially in the US Sun Belt.—
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Cash hasn’t so much tamed the savagery of the internet as turned on parental controls.—
Verb
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The property’s lot measures 4,640 square feet in area.—
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For now, expectations remain measured.—
Cite this Entry
“Bridle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bridle. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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