1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a dark, forbidding house, that is reputed to be haunted
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2
as in intimidating
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
told us in a forbidding voice to stop calling him by that name
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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.
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forbidding
Susan Page, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
With the clarifications, the White House seems already to be walking back some of the most forbidding aspects of the change, a far cry from the Administration’s language over the weekend.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Susan Page, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
California’s booming economy is one of the world’s largest, but a peek behind the curtain exposes the forbidding reality of a statewide job market that is ranked as one of the nation’s worst.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forbidding
Adjective
But Cheney rarely tried to combat the image painted by critics and comedians of him as a dour partisan, dark and forbidding.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
With the clarifications, the White House seems already to be walking back some of the most forbidding aspects of the change, a far cry from the Administration’s language over the weekend.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
But Cheney rarely tried to combat the image painted by critics and comedians of him as a dour partisan, dark and forbidding.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
Looking down on the airfield below, I was struck by the forbidding topography.
—Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
California’s booming economy is one of the world’s largest, but a peek behind the curtain exposes the forbidding reality of a statewide job market that is ranked as one of the nation’s worst.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forbidding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbidding
Adjective
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Even the more terrifying creatures, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, have their own undeniable, deadly beauty.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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The story that introduced millions of streaming viewers to the Crain family and their terrifying home is getting a brand-new life — this time, on stage.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Cords are also a little intimidating because there are so many kinds, and tossing the wrong one could cost you.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
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Gibson’s simple sorting method also made the process less intimidating.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Among many things in the bill are banning restrictions on diesel farm equipment, a loan program for veterinarians practicing on Florida food animals and prohibiting unsolicited door-to-door sales, which is one of the ways solar panel companies target homeowners.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, unsubstantiated rumors swirled on social media that alleged local schools were taking severe actions, such as preemptive school closures, mass suspensions, multi-day detentions and prohibiting students from walking at graduation.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Trish Walters of Portland, Oregon, another passenger, recounted the frightening incident on social media.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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As unsettling events ripple through the town, Henry begins to grapple with the frightening possibility that he may be connected to the darkness taking hold.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
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Also present was the gruff playwright.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The state Senate on Tuesday night narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state’s prohibition on legislative direct compensation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
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The prohibition would not apply to federally licensed firearm manufacturers.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While in Congress, Harder has advocated for banning corporate political action committees and has opposed the Delta Tunnel project.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
15 Feb. 2026
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Proponents of banning major firms from buying single-family homes, many of whom are on the Left and populist Right, argue that those investors are crowding the market for homebuyers.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Kings believe Hunter and Murray could be a formidable duo at the forward spots, giving the team two long and versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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On to Slovakia The Americans now have a semifinal date with a formidable opponent in Slovakia.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forbidding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbidding. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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