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

Swimming in the Seine was officially banned in 1923 amid pollution and the dangers of river traffic. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Because Europeans is the first major event where Russia can send a full team since it was banned from international competition in March 2022 following its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. — Nancy Armour, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

Noun

Narbonne is appealing its three-year playoff ban in football for City Section rules violations. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Last week, Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, sued Minnesota over the ban and called for the law to be blocked. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026