PROHIBIT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid , inhibit , and interdict . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

Q: When can 'forbid' be used instead of 'prohibit'?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'inhibit' instead of 'prohibit'?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could 'interdict' be used to replace 'prohibit'?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

prohibit

verb

prō-ˈhi-bət

Definition of prohibit next

as in to forbid

to order not to do or use or to be done or used the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb prohibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid, inhibit, and interdict. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

When can forbid be used instead of prohibit?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 inhibit instead of prohibit?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could interdict be used to replace prohibit?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

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 prohibit All minors are prohibited from certain occupations and industries – including meatpacking. —

Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 Internet hosting services also will be prohibited from hosting TikTok. —

Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025 Medicare enrollees, however, still won’t be able to access the drugs for obesity under a federal law that prohibits the program from paying for weight loss treatments. —

Amanda Seitz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a case from parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, who argue their religious rights are being violated by a public school policy that prohibits them from opting their children out of lessons featuring fictional LGBT books and characters. —

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

Especially since active duty troops are forbidden from doing law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act.

— Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
The executive order does not mention key Trump campaign promises like banning gender-affirming care for minors or forbidding trans youth from competing on school sports teams that align with their gender.

— Abby Monteil, Them, 21 Jan. 2025