INHIBIT Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'inhibit' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid , interdict , and prohibit . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation. // conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

Q: When is 'forbid' a more appropriate choice than 'inhibit'?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected. // smoking is forbidden in the building

Q: When is it sensible to use 'interdict' instead of 'inhibit'?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit , interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

Q: When might 'prohibit' be a better fit than 'inhibit'?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

inhibit

verb

in-ˈhi-bət

Definition of inhibit next

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

Example Sentences

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 inhibit May Help Prevent Cancer Some studies suggest that sulforaphane's anticancer properties may inhibit tumor cell growth. —

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 11 Jan. 2025 Damage caused by the strength of the Santa Ana winds can inhibit firefighting operations, Mr. Torres added, because dangerous winds can temporarily ground fire department aircraft. —

Camille Baker, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 By inhibiting the reabsorption of norepinephrine, SNRIs result in an overall elevation of its level in the brain. —

Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025 Maturation of the brain accelerates the development of skills, and may also inhibit the ability to learn new skills.6 Brain development involves:4 Blood vessel development: The brain tissue requires oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients, which are delivered through the blood flow in the brain. —

Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inhibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit

Verb

Walker, in fact, explains that one of the by-products of alcohol metabolism is a class of chemicals, known as aldehydes, that are especially prone to impede REM sleep.

— Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
These teams all have franchise players to build around and some contracts that would impede them from fully committing to the tear-down process.

— Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025