disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1

: to deny the force, truth, or validity of

2

: to refuse to allow

disallowance

ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Synonyms

• contradict
• deny
• disaffirm
• disavow
• disclaim
• disconfirm
• disown
• gainsay
• negate
• negative
• refute
• reject
• repudiate

Examples of disallow in a Sentence

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty.

disallowing the philosophical concept of free will

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials, however, disallowed the goal after deeming that Jenner used a distinct kicking motion to boot the puck into the net. —Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025

In addition, the TCJA disallowed miscellaneous itemized deductions, which arguably may include some types of theft losses. —Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Similarly, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, ended its third-party fact-checking program and redefined its hate speech policies so that certain rhetoric once disallowed is now permitted. —Tamar Mitts, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025

Specifically, the bulletin disallowed the practice of limiting mental health disability coverage to 24 months. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

• anyhow
• carabao
• disavow
• allow
• avow
• basedow
• chiao
• endow
• eyebrow
• highbrow
• lanao
• meow

Kids Definition

disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

: to refuse to admit or allow : reject

disallow a claim

disallowance

-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ 

1

: to deny the truth, force, or validity of

disallowed the deduction

disallow a bankruptcy claim

2

: to refuse to allow

disallow payment of benefits

disallowance noun