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

Examples 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 Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, however, prohibit processing and verifying mail-in ballots before polls open on Election Day. —

Time Staff, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 In August, the board voted 4-1 to prohibit certain types of instruction related to critical race theory and social and emotional learning. —

Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Poll workers are instructed, per the secretary of state, to prohibit anyone who arrived after 8 p.m. from voting, but people who are still in line are still allowed to cast their ballot. —

Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024 Making or taking phone calls in the polling area is also prohibited. —

Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

The state’s Commission on Judicial Performance, an oversight body that can discipline judges, says they’re forbidden from saying whether or not the matter is under investigation.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Youth were discouraged or forbidden from speaking their Native languages and forced to speak English.

Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024