Synonyms of forbid

forbid

verb

fər-ˈbid 

as in to prohibit

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

smoking is forbidden throughout the building

we forbid you to see him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forbid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of forbid are inhibit, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When would inhibit be a good substitute for forbid?

While in some cases nearly identical to forbid, inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

In what contexts can interdict take the place of forbid?

Although the words interdict and forbid have much in common, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When could prohibit be used to replace forbid?

While the synonyms prohibit and forbid are close in meaning, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of forbid

The meeting, held Tuesday, April 15, was not announced ahead of time and recording devices were forbidden. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2025

But unlike his previous appearances — which took place in New York State Supreme Court, where he could be photographed — Mangione will be in federal court on Friday, where photography and video footage are strictly forbidden. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

This was despite a federal court order that forbids Trump’s administration from punishing the AP for refusing to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025

For the moment, the state supreme court’s attempt to steal Riggs’s seat is on hold — a federal judge issued a temporary order forbidding the state from certifying the result of the election until after this case is fully litigated in federal court. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025