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
• authorize
• endorse
• encourage
• promote
• warrant
• support
• forward
• sanction
• license
• advance
• order
• cultivate
• further
• bid
• tolerate
• endure
• abide
• command
• bear
• nurture
• nourish
• 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

That amendment explicitly forbids any redistricting plan being drawn to help or harm one political party’s electoral odds. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026

Even bikes are forbidden on the main drag; the street is reserved for people and, in summer, a twice-daily parade of goats. —Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season. —Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026

God forbid one of our boys gets killed because of this recklessness. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026