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

But the goal was disallowed after a video review, as the ball clearly struck his hand and went into the goal. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2026

The goal, however, was later reviewed and disallowed because, while airborne, the ball grazed the forearm of Charlotte FC player Brandt Bronico. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026

Following a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, however, the goal was disallowed after Wilfried Gnonto was judged to have handled the ball in the buildup. —Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

The Florida fans erupted before realizing the play had been called offsides, disallowing the goal. —Amaia Gavica, Idaho Statesman, 8 Mar. 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