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
This setup reduces cable clutter around the TV and allows for cleaner room layouts.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
Even during a doomed spacecraft's final orbit or two, the margin of error allows for several hours, which translates into thousands of miles of distance due to the speed most re-entering satellites move.
—Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2026
That’s allowed for more space for fire ladders, ambulances and engines — including the first electric engine in the state — to keep up with increasing call volume.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
One of his biggest legislative victories last year was passing his Family Zoning Plan, which allows for taller and denser housing on the north and west sides of the city.
—Julia Cherner, ABC News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
Even during a doomed spacecraft's final orbit or two, the margin of error allows for several hours, which translates into thousands of miles of distance due to the speed most re-entering satellites move.
—Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2026
That’s allowed for more space for fire ladders, ambulances and engines — including the first electric engine in the state — to keep up with increasing call volume.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
One of his biggest legislative victories last year was passing his Family Zoning Plan, which allows for taller and denser housing on the north and west sides of the city.
—Julia Cherner, ABC News, 4 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 7 Jan. 2026.
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