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 The Planning Commission voted 6-0 during its meeting last week to move ahead with a code change that would allow for no more than 30 short-term rental permits to be approved... Marc Hayot, arkansasonline.com, 24 Nov. 2023 Conair's Double Ceramic 3 Barrel Curling Iron allows for major curling creativity. Shanna Shipin, Allure, 24 Nov. 2023 Its latch and carrying handle allow for easy portability so that your Barbie doll always has a nice getaway on the go. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023 Roughly 40 percent of the East Asian population also has alcohol metabolizing enzymes that allows for acetaldehyde to build up in their system. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Nov. 2023 But the Israelis adapted their ground invasion to be phased in a way that would allow for a pause in fighting if a deal came together, according to U.S. officials. Peter Baker, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023 The letter was sent before the Israeli government approved a deal Tuesday night that would allow for the release of at least 50 women and children held hostage during a four-day pause in hostilities. Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2023 This pick can accommodate artificial Christmas trees up to 9 feet tall and the system includes a rolling base and a storage bag that allows for upright storage. Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023 The stretchy fabric ensures a snug and flattering fit, while the snap closure at the crotch allows for easy wear. Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allow for.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Allow for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allow%20for. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

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