disallow

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

Synonyms of disallow

• deny
• reject
• refute

Examples of disallow in a Sentence

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty.

disallowing the philosophical concept of free will

Recent Examples on the Web

Four minutes into the second half, a goal by Fullerton’s Luke Buehler was disallowed because of a penalty. —Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026

Chinakhov scored six goals in January, had one disallowed and hit the post or crossbar on numerous occasions. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026

The government disallowed even elite white sportspeople from playing with Black sportspeople, which meant the white athletes could rarely compete abroad. —Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026

An agency spokesperson said that the CFPB was disallowed from limiting credit card rates by the Dodd Frank Act. —Hugh Son, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

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

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