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 word was forbidden in their household and treated like a swear. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025

While other states, including Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, have allowed wolf hunts to resume, California still forbids ranchers from taking aggressive measures to stop the predators. —Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Ord also forbade any state money to be paid to the families of deceased Confederate soldiers if the same amounts were not also made available to the families of Union soldiers. —Arkansas Online, 19 Apr. 2025

The Constitution explicitly forbids Congress from issuing bills of attainder—laws that single out individuals for punishment without trial. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025