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

The offense so rarely gives everyone else a night off — so rarely allows for a bullpen or starting rotation to endure even the shortest of slumps, let alone the kind of slump the Royals’ bullpen has endured this year. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026

Police urged people to avoid the area and allow for extra travel time. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 3 June 2026

Because of Anthony’s age, Texas law allows him to be tried as an adult for the crime, but does not allow for the death penalty to be considered. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

Several people spoke at town council meetings last June and December to convince the council to amend the town’s flag code to allow for a Pride flag raising. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

Rhymes for allow for

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