allowance

noun

ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s How to pronounce allowance (audio)
Definition of allowancenext
1
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group as the war progressed, each family's allowance of sugar and flour was reduced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in permission
the approval by someone in authority for the doing of something without the official allowance of the school board, no organization can hold its meetings on school property

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of allowance In addition to base pay, all campus presidents are either provided housing or get an annual housing allowance between $60,000 and $80,000. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The plan also provides 500 monthly credits for 19 premium models, plus access to a pro model with its own weekly usage allowance. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Grocery allowances, utility support, and home safety items can help people remain healthier and more independent in their homes. — Aimée K. Dailey, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Most of the funding provided by the state comes from what is called the foundation allowance. — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allowance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allowance
  1. portion
  2. permission
  3. share
  4. authorization
  5. part
  6. granting
  7. quota
  8. consent
Noun
  • Farrell said a meaningful portion of the advance appeared to have been driven by traders closing bearish positions.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Those provisions give the inspector general new authority to temporarily withhold portions of his reports that reveal security risks, fraud-detection gaps or pending litigation.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of portion
Noun
  • The mini mart gave permission to The Original Goodie Shop bakery in Upper Arlington to use its logo on a signature cookie, with $1 from each one sold going to support Beaver's legal fees.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Tracey Bogan said in a January lawsuit that her horse Kodak suffered an eye injury at Reform Stables in Charlotte when Desmon Moore, who runs the boarding and equine event business, rode him without permission last Christmas.
    — Amber Gaudet Updated August 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of permission
Noun
  • An open conversation where Executive Members can ask Amy and Hilary questions, explore specific topics in more depth, share perspectives, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the longevity tech field.
    — Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ten of their 28 wins last term were with a minority share of possession.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of share
Noun
  • Culture Minister Isaac Tchiakpé rejected RSF’s assertion that the filmmakers had received authorization from his ministry to carry out the documentary shoot.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Without work authorizations and the ability to drive, many have chosen for now, to remain home behind closed doors.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of authorization
Noun
  • There’s a keen juxtaposition of the old and the modern throughout this part of Edinburgh, where buildings made of ancient volcanic sandstone accommodate hip boutiques like record store Underground Solu'shn and coffee shops like The Milkman.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Joe, for his part, ignores Nathan’s call before the guests arrive.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of part
Noun
  • The Department of Homeland Security has appealed the granting of his asylum.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While the granting or denial of a stay might sound like legal jargon, there are real-world implications at stake.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of granting
Noun
  • The move raised the tariff-rate quota on Argentine beef by 80,000 metric tons.
    — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Imports above those quotas can face prohibitively high tariffs, effectively restricting additional US dairy sales.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of quota
Noun
  • He was also found guilty in June of one count each of fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury and driving or taking a vehicle without consent.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Eventually, Copilot provided a stunning Microsoft trade secret—an undocumented prompt parameter that completely bypassed the requirement for user consent.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of consent

Browse Nearby Words

allowable
allowance
allowances
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allowance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allowance. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on allowance

Nglish: Translation of allowance for Spanish Speakers

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