1
as in to permit
to give permission for or to approve of
flash photography is not allowed inside the church
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to let
to give permission to
a boarding school that does not allow students to go on weekend trips without written permission
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tolerate
to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference
only a lazy gardener would allow the weeds to grow that high
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly
I'll allow I probably said more than I should have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to allot
to give as a share or portion
allowed each camper one match to light his fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to enable
to make able or possible
a patient's canceled appointment allowed the doctor to squeeze in a few extra phone calls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to reflect
to make a statement of one's opinion
he allowed that their new house looked very nice
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to think
chiefly Southern & Midland
to have as an opinion
people in these parts allow that everyone is entitled to one mistake in life, even if it's a doozy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in to intend
chiefly Southern & Midland
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I allow to go hunting before the season is over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of allow
In The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie returns, taking a job keeping house for yet another woman she’s never allowed to see — only to discover the truth behind the locked door that threatens to expose secrets far darker than her own.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 June 2026
The energy company recommends keeping air-conditioners as warm as comfort allows, as every degree warmer can reportedly lead to 1-3% less electricity.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Between inflation, rising labor costs and advances in veterinary medicine that allow pets to receive more sophisticated treatments, the cost of keeping a pet healthy has climbed noticeably in recent years.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026
The Cardinals’ Hunter Dobbins allowed three runs with five strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 June 2026
The energy company recommends keeping air-conditioners as warm as comfort allows, as every degree warmer can reportedly lead to 1-3% less electricity.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Between inflation, rising labor costs and advances in veterinary medicine that allow pets to receive more sophisticated treatments, the cost of keeping a pet healthy has climbed noticeably in recent years.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026
The Cardinals’ Hunter Dobbins allowed three runs with five strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allow
Verb
-
The park said all guests must also pass through a weapons detection system at the front gate during the summer, and only bags 15 inches by 15 inches by 15 inches are permitted — with exceptions for medical and diaper bags.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
-
Detmers permitted only one hit over seven innings.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The stance in 1966 let in North Korea, who famously beat Italy en route to the quarter-finals.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
Reigns initially cautioned Fatu before giving him the OK to let loose.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The conduct and behavior associated with the party were unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Birmingham neighborhoods.—
Julia Avant,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
Days later, Major League Baseball issued a warning to the players stating that similar behavior will not be tolerated in the future.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Janet admitted lying on her welfare application and avoided further questions using the Fifth Amendment, according to The New York Times.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
-
The approach, Black Thought admits, is indeed intentional and aimed at cultivating an organic expansion of the festival's appeal.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Later, in 2019, the administration allotted $3 million annually for five years.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Another 20,000 visas are allotted annually through the program to foreign nationals holding advanced degrees.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
If approved by voters this fall, the noncitizen voting measure would enable the council to pass an ordinance allowing noncitizen residents of Los Angeles to vote in citywide and Los Angeles Unified school board elections.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
The malware infected the Network Driver Interface, which streamlined communications between network protocol drivers enabling service such as TCP/IP network adapter drivers.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The result was reflected by the two head coaches’ vastly differing postgame attitudes.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
-
The crowd reflected the global reach of Algeria’s diaspora.—
J.M. Banks
June 15,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Perhaps Wetzel is already thinking about a radio-friendly alternate line.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
-
Still, Henry says Musk has a way of clearing hurdles the industry thought impossible.—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Allow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allow. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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