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 Arkansas State Penitentiary opened in 1841 in Little Rock and served as the state's main penal institution until it was moved in 1899 to allow for the construction of the State Capitol at the same site.
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Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025
Only Gauffeny, her mother and her sister were allowed inside the room and visiting hours were limited to three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon, even though the hospital allowed for longer visits, Gauffeny said.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025
However, its variable aperture means the lens opening can be adjusted to let in more light, allowing for brighter images, greater depth of field, more vivid macro shots, and better performance in low-light conditions.
—New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025
Younger generations, particularly Millennials and members of Gen Z, have been increasingly investing in Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s, which allow for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
—Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
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Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025
Only Gauffeny, her mother and her sister were allowed inside the room and visiting hours were limited to three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon, even though the hospital allowed for longer visits, Gauffeny said.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025
However, its variable aperture means the lens opening can be adjusted to let in more light, allowing for brighter images, greater depth of field, more vivid macro shots, and better performance in low-light conditions.
—New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025
Younger generations, particularly Millennials and members of Gen Z, have been increasingly investing in Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s, which allow for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
—Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
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 24 Nov. 2025.
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