Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forbid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of forbid are inhibit, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When would inhibit be a good substitute for forbid?

While in some cases nearly identical to forbid, 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

In what contexts can interdict take the place of forbid?

Although the words interdict and forbid have much in common, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When could prohibit be used to replace forbid?

While the synonyms prohibit and forbid are close in meaning, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 forbid The second, from the two Trump judges in the Western District, forbids it from using the new maps the state legislature enacted to comply with Dick’s order. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 18 Mar. 2025 The silent close-ups of the people in the vehicle are subtly unsettling, while all around them rolls a beautiful, forbidding landscape. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 Using Isolation And Undermining Tactics The strongman might discourage or even forbid their partner from seeing friends or family, increasing their dependence on them. Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Speaking their native languages and wearing traditional clothes was forbidden. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forbid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbid
Verb
  • Inmates are prohibited from receiving visits from family and friends.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Because sonic booms are disruptive, supersonic flight is prohibited over populated areas in the U.S.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The association has been under severe pressure this year as the Trump White House has banned The Associated Press from some events and taken control of press pool assignments, all part of a broader effort to assert power and clamp down on independent news coverage.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The bill to ban camping could uproot her yet again — even as lawmakers propose other legislation to block new shelters in the area.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since the late 1980s, the federal government has outlawed the sale of butyl and alkyl nitrites, two of the chemical compounds that are commonly bottled as poppers.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
  • By Terry Hacienda, The Fresh Toast The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again?
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbid. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forbid

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