as in prohibiting
the act of ordering that something not be done or used
the outlawing of cell phone use by motorists is intended to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in banning
to make or declare contrary to the law
a push to outlaw smoking in all public buildings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forbidding
to order not to do or use or to be done or used
fed up with the constant interruptions, the physician has outlawed all cell phone use from his office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outlawing
Jonathan Entin, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
In 2024, Berkeley and Oakland passed ordinances outlawing discrimination based on family structure, including polyamorous relationships.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Mariya Taher, co-founder and executive director of Sahiyo, a nonprofit fighting female genital mutilation, said the existence of state legislation outlawing the practice helps to counter beliefs in certain communities that female genital mutilation is necessary for girls.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
These and other developments make this a moment of reckoning for lawmakers and wildlife officials who have repeatedly resisted outlawing vehicular killing of wildlife, or who have shied away from strengthening anti-cruelty laws.
—Wendy Keefover, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Sergio, a commentator and broadcast journalist for both NBC and ABC, was cited for signing a petition that urged outlawing antisemitism.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
In 1875 Congress passed a civil rights act outlawing racial discrimination, but in 1883 the US Supreme Court invalidated the law.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Criminalizing 'unlawful alert' and outlawing whistle blowing Senate Bill 1635 turns notifying someone that law enforcement is about to arrest them into a crime.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Following the 2022 invasion, the Kremlin passed a web of repressive laws effectively outlawing criticism of the war effort or government.
—Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of an extraordinary case of student activism that helped lead to the Supreme Court’s decision outlawing segregated schools.
—Jonathan Entin, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
In 2024, Berkeley and Oakland passed ordinances outlawing discrimination based on family structure, including polyamorous relationships.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Mariya Taher, co-founder and executive director of Sahiyo, a nonprofit fighting female genital mutilation, said the existence of state legislation outlawing the practice helps to counter beliefs in certain communities that female genital mutilation is necessary for girls.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
These and other developments make this a moment of reckoning for lawmakers and wildlife officials who have repeatedly resisted outlawing vehicular killing of wildlife, or who have shied away from strengthening anti-cruelty laws.
—Wendy Keefover, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Sergio, a commentator and broadcast journalist for both NBC and ABC, was cited for signing a petition that urged outlawing antisemitism.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
In 1875 Congress passed a civil rights act outlawing racial discrimination, but in 1883 the US Supreme Court invalidated the law.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Criminalizing 'unlawful alert' and outlawing whistle blowing Senate Bill 1635 turns notifying someone that law enforcement is about to arrest them into a crime.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Following the 2022 invasion, the Kremlin passed a web of repressive laws effectively outlawing criticism of the war effort or government.
—Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlawing
Verb
-
While many of the California laws banning the political use of public office are civil statutes, one is a criminal statute.—
Will Swaim,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Colorado just enacted the nation’s first law banning arrests based solely on the results of colorimetric drug tests – a field test widely used by law enforcement across the country.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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New Jersey’s legislation prohibiting customers from pumping their own gas dates back to 1949.—
Laura Kiniry,
Popular Science,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Some indoor leagues restrict footwear, often prohibiting metal studs or outdoor cleats, while others differ on whether shin guards are mandatory.—
Julia King,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
China, though, has never acknowledged that a prohibition exists.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
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Notably, the current administration has also made enforcing Students for Fair Admissions’ prohibition on discrimination in education a high priority.—
Alison Somin,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In addition to criminalizing nonconsensual intimate deepfakes, the federal law requires platforms to take down imagery 48 hours after it is reported.—
Bruna Horvath,
NBC news,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Israel accused Lebanon's government of failing to carry out its pledge to disarm Hezbollah, despite its unprecedented steps toward criminalizing the group.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Both city and county councils have passed resolutions forbidding it.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The law discriminates based on viewpoint, permitting expressions of acceptance and support for a client’s self-identity while forbidding expressions that attempt to change it.—
Kevin Cope,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outlawing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlawing. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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