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

According to Sempra’s annual 10-K report submitted to the SEC, the much lower profit number was mostly due to the California Public Utilities Commission disallowing $432 million in collections from SDG&E as part of the utility’s 2024 General Rate Case. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

Viktor Gyokeres scored in the 47th minute and, apart from a goal from Kolo Muani which was contentiously disallowed for a foul on Gabriel, Spurs never looked like mounting a serious comeback. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

The goal was initially disallowed for a foul but the call was reversed after video review. —ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026

But it was disallowed because the puck was kicked into the net. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 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