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

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 forbid The bare walls of the mazelike environment constructed by William Cordova in the art center’s main space may seem forbidding at first. Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 To that end, Article XIII forbids teams from signing side deals with players, such as paying a player to serve as a scout, business partner, endorser or some other position. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Manas is deeply emotional, stirring, and God forbid… important. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 But Ukrainians were forbidden from speaking Ukrainian or expressing their identity, and told they were being trained to fight for the Russian army. Guy Davies, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forbid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbid
Verb
  • The sterile cockpit rule prohibits pilots from engaging in conversations unrelated to operating the aircraft when flying below 10,000 feet.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Major League Baseball Rule 21 prohibits anyone connected to the game-including players, umpires, and staff-from gambling on any baseball or softball game, regardless of the level.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There are caveats, however, and many sports teams around the state have policies explicitly banning the practice.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • However, multiple reports indicated that North Carolina’s general manager Michael Lombardi and pro liaison Frantzy Jourdain informed their own team last month that the scouts were banned.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reuters — Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament passed legislation outlawing conduct deemed to promote LGBTQ practices, introducing fines, prison sentences and sanctions for persons convicted, its justice minister said.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
  • In other words, the maps may have been outlawed — but their consequences are still being lived.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbid. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forbid

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