Synonyms of embargo

embargo 1 of 2

noun

im-ˈbär-(ˌ)gō 

as in prohibition

an order that something not be done or used

there's a standing embargo against the use of foul language in this house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

embargo

2 of 2

verb

as in to exclude

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of embargo

Noun

The following summer brought a transfer embargo that halted spending and raised concerns about the direction of travel, but also saw the arrival of Sergej Jakirovic, the imposing architect of last season’s promotion. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The embargo is the sharpest edge of a campaign (that also includes sweeping sanctions) to starve Tehran of oil revenue and undermine its economy, with the cost borne largely by ordinary Iranians. — semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Verb

And unlike with fossil fuels, renewable energy costs aren’t volatile, and their fuel source — sunbeams and wind currents — cannot be embargoed. — Kathleen Biggins, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026

No cartel can embargo the wind. — Jennifer Granholm, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026

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