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 reason: the property that was to be the building site came with contractual restrictions that forbade major parts of Kroger’s design. —Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2025

Without one umbrella cartel to pay a tax in exchange for protection, there are more cells, and the barrier for entry is lower, which means the lesser crimes El Chapo and El Mayo forbade in Culiacán — kidnappings, extortions — are here to stay until someone else rises up and restores order. —Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

But states hoping to redraw sooner than required are noting there’s nothing in the Constitution forbidding extra redistricting. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025

Congress forbid bases to be named after Confederate leaders in 2021, but the administration sidestepped the ban by finding other people with the same last names to honor. —Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025