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

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Recent Examples of prohibit In that bill, lawmakers prohibited the commission from investigating anonymous complaints, despite the constitutional requirement for a confidential hotline for whistleblowers. —

Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2025 Rules prohibit teams from interviewing any candidates who are currently employed by other clubs in person until Jan. 20. —

Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025 Due to the criminal charges, the mother was suspended and prohibited from working overtime or off-duty as a police officer in Mantua, according to the lawsuit. —

Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 Also in November, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to Texas public colleges and universities prohibiting college tuition increases for next year. —

Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

Defense attorneys have now asked Cannon to extend her order forbidding the report's release, a move the Justice Department opposes.

Robert Legare, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2025
Problem #1: Ex Post The Constitution forbids states to enact ex post facto laws, those that impose penalties for actions that took place before the laws were enacted.

William Baldwin, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025