disallow

1 of 2

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1

: to deny the force, truth, or validity of

2

: to refuse to allow

disallowance

ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

disallowance

2 of 2

noun

dis·​allowance "+ 

: the act of disallowing : refusal to admit or permit : rejection

the taxpayer was notified of the disallowance of his claim for refund

Synonyms of disallow

Verb

• deny
• reject
• refute

Examples of disallow in a Sentence

Verb

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty.

disallowing the philosophical concept of free will

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Not to mention, few studios have purchased cinemas even after the Department of Justice rescinded the 1948 Paramount Consent Decrees, which previously disallowed studios from owning movie theater chains. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Some believe Arnold will be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list at some point after he is signed, disallowing him from participating in regular-season games until his October court date, at the earliest. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Aïssata Traoré's goal for Boston in the 92nd minute was initially disallowed, however, after a lengthy video review, it was allowed to stand. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

The judges also disallowed her inquest testimony, which had been given without an attorney present. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

• anyhow
• carabao
• disavow
• allow
• avow
• chiao
• endow
• eyebrow
• highbrow
• lanao
• meow
• powwow

Kids Definition

disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

: to refuse to admit or allow : reject

disallow a claim

disallowance

-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ 

1

: to deny the truth, force, or validity of

disallowed the deduction

disallow a bankruptcy claim

2

: to refuse to allow

disallow payment of benefits

disallowance noun