1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a dark, forbidding house, that is reputed to be haunted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
told us in a forbidding voice to stop calling him by that name
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prohibiting
the act of ordering that something not be done or used
the landlord's forbidding of loud music after 10:00 p.m.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in banning
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 forbidding
Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
The basic technology is complicated enough, but the subculture—with its own particular argot and decorum—is what’s truly forbidding.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 June 2025
John Aguilar, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Students see the subject itself as inherently forbidding because of its abstract nature.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbidding
Adjective
In her remarks during the recent tour of the facility, Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem appeared to acknowledge that the forbidding conditions were meant to frighten migrants into self-deporting.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
The basic technology is complicated enough, but the subculture—with its own particular argot and decorum—is what’s truly forbidding.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 June 2025
Verb
In June, the Denver City Council passed an ordinance forbidding scrap metal recycling dealers from paying cash for certain materials that include copper, bronze, brass and aluminum.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Students see the subject itself as inherently forbidding because of its abstract nature.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbidding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbidding
Adjective
-
The device sounded terrifying – an apparently new, nuclear capable IRBM, fired with multiple conventional warheads, that the Kremlin boasted could rip through European defenses.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
-
He’s supposed to be a terrifying mirror to our discontent.—
Emily Temple
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This pays off to some extent because Day-Lewis is such a mesmerizing presence, Ray’s gruff manner and terse communications hinting at dark mysteries to be revealed.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Panday plays a convincingly gruff tortured artist alongside Padda’s struggling ingenue, and most of the screen time is devoted to their pairing instead of introducing tertiary excess.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Such work would be an important reality check as society grapples with this kind of emerging threat from AI, says Casadevall, but would be tricky to do, as it might be precluded by international treaties prohibiting the development of biological weapons.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
-
All of that earned Todd Herman disbarment by the state Supreme Court last week, prohibiting him from practicing law in Florida.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The steaks cost about $40, compared to a frightening $60-$70 at chain restaurants.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
-
And that’s kind of a frightening thing.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Being less direct and formal can help prevent your kid putting a wall up — as can chatting during car rides since not being face-to-face can feel less intimidating for them.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The San Francisco 49ers began the year with one of the more intimidating defensive fronts in the NFL.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some of the commandments overlap with criminal law, such as prohibitions on murder and theft, but others do not.—
Jessie Balmert,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
-
In addition to the cut-through traffic prohibitions for trucks on residential streets, city staff will work with the City Council on ordinance revisions to strengthen penalties on truck operators and owners who do not comply with signs and restrictions.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While voting on the bill is unlikely, the provision banning software tools like virtual private networks, or VPNs, has caused concern over potential government overreach in tech spaces.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Upping the ante, Sultana swiftly introduced a bill banning landlords from serving as MPs.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
If the past offers any guide, however, Havana will instead continue to rely on its formidable security apparatus to repress is citizens, while privatizing in ways that do not threaten the power and privileges of the elite.—
Joseph J. Gonzalez,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The West will be formidable, as multiple teams could make their mark this season.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forbidding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbidding. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share