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

There are approximately 3,800 public highway/rail crossings in Missouri, but state funding only allows for improvements to around 30 to 35 crossings per year, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MODOT) Office of Multimodal Operations, which oversees rail services in the state. — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

The material allows for a sexy peek-a-boo effect, revealing the foot thanks to its sheer properties. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

The lens has a Ri-Pel coating that allows for water and sweat to bead up and slide off the surface, rather than obscuring vision. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026

It can only be used for spending and budgetary measures and allows for passing controversial legislation along party lines in the narrowly divided chamber. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 24 June 2026

Rhymes for allow for

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