Synonyms of ban

ban 1 of 2

verb

ˈban 

1

as in to prohibit

to order not to do or use or to be done or used

the company absolutely bans smoking within its buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prohibit
• forbid
• outlaw
• discourage
• prevent
• halt
• stop
• bar
• proscribe
• enjoin
• exclude
• interdict
• restrain
• curb
• deter
• embargo
• preclude
• dissuade
• veto
• quash
• rule out
• block
• silence
• reject
• suppress
• disallow
• shut out
• repress
• quell
• deprive
• subdue
• hinder
• impede
• crack down (on)
• inhibit
• clamp down (on)
• put down
• check
• squelch
• crush
• squash
• debar
• repudiate
• obstruct
• snuff (out)
• rein (in)
• bridle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• let
• allow
• approve
• suffer
• endorse
• authorize
• support
• sanction
• promote
• license
• encourage
• warrant
• forward
• advance
• order
• bid
• further
• cultivate
• tolerate
• command
• endure
• bear
• abide
• nurture
• abet
• nourish
• countenance
• brook

2

as in to exclude

to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of

the university banned those caught in the cheating scandal from graduation ceremonies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exclude
• prohibit
• eliminate
• prevent
• bar
• rule out
• shut out
• suspend
• debar
• freeze out
• banish
• count (out)
• expel
• except
• exile
• close out
• excommunicate
• blacklist
• close one's doors to
• ostracize
• preclude
• deport
• deter
• block
• hinder
• blackball
• impede
• obviate
• cease
• halt
• oust
• ward (off)
• obstruct
• discontinue
• check off
• weed (out)
• stave off
• throw out
• comb (out)
• disregard

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• include
• admit
• receive
• accept
• welcome
• entertain
• embrace
• take in
• unban

ban

2 of 2

noun

1

as in curse

a prayer that harm will come to someone

a father's ban upon his ungrateful son

Synonyms & Similar Words

• curse
• condemnation
• censure
• malediction
• anathema
• imprecation
• excommunication
• denunciation
• malison
• spell
• damnation
• winze
• execration
• jinx
• voodoo
• pox
• hoodoo
• whammy
• mojo
• hex

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blessing
• benediction
• endorsement
• citation
• benison
• commendation

2

as in prohibition

an order that something not be done or used

a quiet seaside resort with a ban on the drinking of alcohol in public places

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prohibition
• embargo
• veto
• injunction
• warning
• restriction
• interdiction
• interdict
• proscription
• protest
• edict
• objection
• refusal
• taboo
• suppression
• prevention
• limitation
• deterrent
• mandate
• repression
• inhibition
• denial
• decree
• discouragement
• restraint
• no-no
• constraint
• rejection
• commandment
• disallowance
• negation
• caveat
• dictate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prescription
• sanction
• tolerance
• allowing
• permitting
• license
• permission
• consent
• licensing
• approval
• granting
• allowance
• authorization
• support
• letting
• clearance
• leave
• promotion
• endorsement
• toleration
• enabling
• agreement
• blessing
• sanctioning
• encouragement
• compliance
• sufferance
• submission
• approbation
• OK
• obedience
• facilitation
• imprimatur
• acquiescence
• accession
• assent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ban

Verb

Ole Miss didn’t ban Confederate flags at football games until 1997. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

The bill would ban the use of electroshock gloves in California by both federal and state law enforcement agents. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Noun

Although political rhetoric against Muslims in Texas has become increasingly hostile — some GOP lawmakers even discussed a ban on halal food — pitmasters like Abdul-Kafi see the rise of halal barbecue as an effective counterargument. — Ulaa Kuziez, NPR, 6 Sep. 2026

The Herald reviewed permits issued in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties between August 2023 and April 2025, and found that only about 120 of the cameras approved during that time would be affected by the state’s ban. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026