as in flexible
often disapproving
giving people a lot of freedom or too much freedom to do what they want to do
permissive parents Some states have more permissive laws than others.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 permissive
That may be a short-term price to pay for a long-term goal of cryptocurrency innovation in a permissive regulatory environment, said Bernstein analysts led by Gautam Chhugani.
—
Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
It’s supposed to feature a $20.5 million permissive cap, meaning schools don’t have to share the maximum.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
In endorsing high-speed chases for virtually any reason, without limits, Independence’s policy is more permissive than those of many other police agencies in the metro.
—Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025
Facebook, Instagram dump fact-checkers citing election as 'cultural tipping point'
The policy shift will make the platform more generally permissive toward user posts, especially on some controversial subjects such as immigration and gender, the company said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
It’s supposed to feature a $20.5 million permissive cap, meaning schools don’t have to share the maximum.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
In endorsing high-speed chases for virtually any reason, without limits, Independence’s policy is more permissive than those of many other police agencies in the metro.
—Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025
Facebook, Instagram dump fact-checkers citing election as 'cultural tipping point'
The policy shift will make the platform more generally permissive toward user posts, especially on some controversial subjects such as immigration and gender, the company said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permissive
Adjective
-
Both are made from a water- and rip-resistant material that’s flexible.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Mar. 2025
-
This test involves inserting a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat to see your esophagus and stomach.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Many fundamental aspects of teamwork—such as spontaneous collaboration, real-time feedback and informal bonding—are harder to cultivate in a virtual environment.—
Daria Rudnik,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Its core concepts were rooted in intuition and informal arguments, rather than precise, formal definitions.—
Solomon Adams,
WIRED,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead, Trump received an unconditional discharge, a rare and lenient sentence that reflected the practical and constitutional impossibility of jailing a man who is set to become president in just 10 days.—
Matthew Cullen,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2025
-
Donald Trump's punishment in his hush money case is unusually lenient for a felony conviction, a New York defense attorney has told Newsweek.—
Sean O'Driscoll,
Newsweek,
9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Located on the historic Santa Barbara plantation, the jagged limestone peak is accessible at four different points with routes up to 164 feet high (50 meters), depending on your athletic ability.—
Curaçao Tourist Board,
AFAR Media,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Indeed, the section of the Ukraine's State Service of Geology and Subsoil website detailing the country's potential reserves is not currently accessible.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Continuous Development And Growth Never be lax or stingy about ongoing training, coaching and development opportunities for team members.—
Levi King,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Payment system security The CFPB was set up in 2010 to protect consumers after lax mortgage rules and other industry practices led to the financial crisis of 2008.—
Adam Smith,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The ultrathin graphene tattoos are soft and pliable, conforming to the skin’s grooves and ridges.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
3 Feb. 2025
-
Heat makes muscles more pliable, which reduces the risk of muscle injuries.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permissive. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share