PROHIBIT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid , inhibit , and interdict . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

Q: When can 'forbid' be used instead of 'prohibit'?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'inhibit' instead of 'prohibit'?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could 'interdict' be used to replace 'prohibit'?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

prohibit

verb

prō-ˈhi-bət

Definition of prohibit next

as in to forbid

to order not to do or use or to be done or used the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb prohibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid, inhibit, and interdict. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

When can forbid be used instead of prohibit?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 inhibit instead of prohibit?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could interdict be used to replace prohibit?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

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 prohibit The Federal Aviation Administration has since prohibited drone flights over the golf club until Friday and over the military base until December 26. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Drone flights over Trump’s golf course are prohibited through Friday night, while the area over Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, will be under restriction orders through Dec. 26. —

Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024 Users who have TikTok on their devices would still be able to use the app under the act, but banning TikTok from app stores would prohibit future software updates. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 Following Yoon’s announcement, a martial law proclamation stated that all political activities, including protests, strikes and the operations of the National Assembly, were prohibited. —

Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

Antiochus forbade Jews to practice their religion and demanded all copies of the Jewish Law be burned.

Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024
No figgy pudding or, God forbid, baked ham, but black-and-white cookies, lox and bagels, brisket, latkes, babka and kichel.

Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024