Synonyms of prohibit

prohibit

verb

prō-ˈhi-bət 

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

• forbid
• ban
• outlaw
• prevent
• discourage
• stop
• enjoin
• proscribe
• exclude
• halt
• preclude
• bar
• deter
• restrain
• dissuade
• interdict
• curb
• quash
• suppress
• deprive
• impede
• inhibit
• disallow
• hinder
• repress
• reject
• quell
• rule out
• block
• subdue
• obstruct
• embargo
• veto
• shut out
• silence
• debar
• squelch
• crack down (on)
• repudiate
• check
• clamp down (on)
• put down
• crush
• squash
• snuff (out)
• rein (in)
• bridle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• allow
• let
• approve
• authorize
• suffer
• endorse
• encourage
• promote
• warrant
• support
• forward
• sanction
• license
• advance
• cultivate
• further
• order
• tolerate
• bid
• endure
• abide
• command
• nurture
• bear
• abet
• nourish
• countenance
• brook

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prohibit

The legislation would also prohibit those vehicles from traveling faster than 28 mph on roads, bike paths and sidewalks and require riders to be at least 16 years old. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Bailey’s order also placed an injunction prohibiting Attard from leasing the house and, because affordability covenants eventually expire, the judge demanded the clock reset to account for the three years Welcome to Realty had owned the house. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

By 1990, the government had declared Gruinard anthrax-free and removed the final warning signs prohibiting visits. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

Capping things off, New York has also prohibited localities from entering into contracts to allow ICE to use their jails as part of its inhumane national detention system. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026