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

Examples of inhibit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Studies have found that inhibiting the inflammatory chemicals the body produces reduces depressive symptoms and anhedonia. —

New Atlas, 31 July 2024 Levi also explained that while the injunctions inhibit the U.S. Department of Education’s ability to enforce the Final Rule and investigate certain complaints, Title IX protections are still available to all students. —

Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2024 White suggested there was nothing specifically TCA was pushing for during this latest visit, but his group voiced its opposition to an antitrust exemption for the NCAA and any legislation that would inhibit athlete earning opportunities. —

Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 July 2024 Throughout the album, the recurring harmonies and rhythms of Bell’s compositions don’t at all inhibit his improvisations but, rather, urge them along with provocative, unsettling nudges. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inhibit

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inhibit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.