allow for

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

Many of Guadagnino’s collaborators have long-standing relationships with him, which allows for everyone to lock in and go. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Andersen sees energy storage, which would allow for continual energy supply even when the wind isn’t blowing, as the wind sector’s next big opportunity. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Because mRNA technology bypasses the slow process of growing viruses in eggs, mRNA manufacturing allows for later influenza strain selection and fast production, unlike traditional vaccines. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Thick clouds threatened all morning to halt the countdown but in the end, the skies cleared enough to allow for a safe liftoff. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for allow for

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore
• heretofore