allowable

adjective

al·​low·​able ə-ˈlau̇-ə-bəl How to pronounce allowable (audio)
: permissible
allowable income tax deductions
allowably adverb

Examples of allowable in a Sentence

international travel without a passport isn't allowable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bill also doubles the annual HSA contribution that is allowable for individuals with incomes up to $75,000 and couples who earn up to $150,000. John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Shirley is concerned that Prime can act as a vehicle for Elite dollars to be spent in ways that are not allowable for public schools. Kristen Taketa, Mercury News, 27 May 2025 About 7% of Americans are showing up at TSA checkpoints without a Real ID or an alternate form of allowable identification, such as a passport or military ID, according to a TSA spokesperson. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 With the bill’s expansion of the list of allowable non-priority list projects to include air quality projects it is expected to increase long-term spending under the school construction program, according to an analysis of the bill. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allowable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alowable, allowable "proper, admissible," borrowed from Anglo-French alouable, from aluer, aloer "to accept as legally valid, permit" + -able -able — more at allow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allowable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allowable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allowable. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allowable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!