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 Both are proscribed terror group status by the U.K. government, and alleged support is forbidden under the 2000 Terrorism Act. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 3 June 2025 In Split, walking around the historic city center in swimwear—or worse, underwear—is strictly forbidden, with fines up to €150 (about $170). Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 These subway entrances are on parkland, where offering or selling tickets is forbidden. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025 No one wants the criminal gangs, divorce attorneys or, heaven forbid, the tax man chasing after those Dior diamonds. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for forbid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbid
Verb
  • The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform.
    Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • The commissioners, on the other hand, are bound by Florida Sunshine Law, which prohibits them from discussing legislative matters with each other outside of a public meeting.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • New technology in supersonic aircraft can allow the planes to fly faster than the speed of sound without a disruptive sonic boom being heard on the ground, but the regulations still ban those flights over land.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
  • The Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. flights to Haiti in November of last year after gunfire struck three aircraft operated by Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines.
    Marisa Garcia, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The following year, after California briefly outlawed the death penalty, their sentences were commuted to life with the possibility of parole.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 June 2025
  • The Israeli government declared Kach to be a terrorist organization, effectively outlawing it.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbid. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forbid

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