FORBIDS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

forbids

verb

present tense third-person singular of forbid

as in prohibits

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

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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 forbids The Indian government forbids outsiders from most contact with the tribe because their bodies aren't immune to modern day diseases. —

Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 7 June 2026 Elordi’s Nate, a controlling alpha engaged to Sydney Sweeney’s hyperfemme Cassie, forbids his wife to work outside their retro suburban home, stranding her amid shag carpeting and yellow wallpaper. —

Judy Berman, Time, 27 May 2026 The bill forbids the forming of a superleague (aka the SEC and Big Ten joining forces). —

Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 Andersen notes that while this level of mixed use is essential for sustainability, it is constantly challenged by outdated legislation that often forbids such mixing. —

Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 The Fair Housing Act forbids exclusionary practices, such as housing designated for a particular group, putting federal funds out of reach for LGBTQ-specific housing. —

Jessica Blough, CNN Money, 22 May 2026 That is especially true of the right of publicity, with NIL as a subset—this right forbids misappropriation of a person’s unique and marketable qualities, including their NIL, signature, voice, nickname or myriad other identifying traits of commercial value. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2026 The legislation, the Tribune-Review reported, bans employees or contractors from inquiring about immigration status and forbids law enforcement to take action based on immigration status. —

Finch Walker, USA Today, 13 May 2026 The passage of the two ordinances forbids that from happening. —

Joe Brandt, CBS News, 8 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbids

Verb

For more than 35 minutes, three Hialeah residents urged the City Council on Tuesday to revisit an ordinance that prohibits boats from being parked at townhouses, describing the rule as an unfair burden on longtime boat owners.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
The City Council wants Kansas City LGBTQ leaders to have a say on how the city prohibits conversion therapy in the future.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026