INHIBIT Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid , interdict , and prohibit . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," 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 is 'forbid' a more appropriate choice than 'inhibit'?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'interdict' instead of 'inhibit'?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit , interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

Q: When might 'prohibit' be a better fit than 'inhibit'?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

inhibit

verb

in-ˈhi-bət

Definition of inhibit next

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," 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 is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but 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 interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit This, in turn, likely has helped inhibit the wintertime growth of the ice. —

Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 The threat posed a brief 15- to 20-minute pause in voting at the Church of the Redeemer, but the board of elections does not believe anyone was inhibited from voting during that time, Linser said. —

Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024 The researchers were unable to do tests like activating or inhibiting individual neurons to see how that might shift behavior, which would be possible in a test subject like a mouse or rat, notes Gracheva. —

Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 28 Nov. 2024 Export controls on emerging tech like AI are also picking up steam on the Hill and industry is looking for a surgical approach that protects national security but doesn't inhibit market access. —

Maria Curi, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inhibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit

Verb

Sauer had argued that the continuation of the case, which is currently on appeal, will impede the Republican from carrying out his presidential duties.

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
These hydroelectric dams also impeded fish migration for nearly a century.

Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024