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

If approved, construction of the overhead transmission lines could disallow Pittman-Robertson Act federal funding, from which Maryland received $9.2 million in fiscal year 2024. —Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Otherwise, the deduction could be disallowed following an IRS audit. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

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

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