allow for
phrasal verb
allowed for; allowing for; allows for
1
: to think about or plan for (something that will or might happen in the future)
When purchasing property, the company should allow for possible future growth/expansion.
2
: to consider (something) when one makes a calculation
The total distance, allowing for detours, is about 10 miles.
If you allow for inflation, he's actually earning less money now than he was 10 years ago.
3
: to make (something) possible
The design of the system allows for easy upgrades.
Examples of allow for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On TikTok, there’s even tutorials on how to wrap it into a halterneck tank top—the stretchy material allows for it.
—
Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
The vast arena rink allows for expansive figure skating routines, but there is also room for sets and props and platforms.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Any funds will help hospitals that are struggling financially, but the 15% allowed for direct payments to cover uncompensated care, which would max out at $30 million per year, may not be enough to stabilize all of the facilities with the greatest needs, Stansbury said.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
Remove the wrap in spring to allow for tree growth and to avoid harboring insects during the growing season.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
The vast arena rink allows for expansive figure skating routines, but there is also room for sets and props and platforms.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Any funds will help hospitals that are struggling financially, but the 15% allowed for direct payments to cover uncompensated care, which would max out at $30 million per year, may not be enough to stabilize all of the facilities with the greatest needs, Stansbury said.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
Remove the wrap in spring to allow for tree growth and to avoid harboring insects during the growing season.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
Cite this Entry
“Allow for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allow%20for. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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