PERMISSIVE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

permissive

adjective

Definition of permissive

as in flexible

often disapproving giving people a lot of freedom or too much freedom to do what they want to do permissive parents Some states have more permissive laws than others.

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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 permissive That means taking a more permissive attitude toward domestic oil and gas drilling — made more urgent by the US-Iran war — while continuing to support the rapid buildout of renewables. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 July 2026 What Business Leaders Need To Know Now For businesses that have spent years building around hemp, the debate has become less about permissive regulation and more about predictability. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The road-going T70S GT might be a little harder to squeeze through US regulations than the UK’s more permissive approach to small-volume manufacturers. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026 The counties that perform best are not the ones with the most permissive political environments or the most gun violence. — Christopher Carita, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for permissive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for permissive

Adjective

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, flexible polymers and skin-care-grade ingredients (like panthenol and glycerin) work together to hold styles, while still keeping hair hydrated and glossy.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

Currently, informal waste pickers and scrap collectors make up a large portion of Vietnam’s collection system, so the new policy also will factor in that labor so that workers aren’t left behind.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
Jeffries met privately with Kushner, a powerful but informal adviser to Trump, several weeks ago.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

The allegations against Tran have led to other murder convictions being overturned, dismissals and relatively lenient plea deals in other cases.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
The report helped lay the groundwork for the grading overhaul, after years during which more lenient grading had been seen as a way to ease anxiety among high-achieving students.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of lenient

Adjective

The area, just two hours from London, is still accessible while boasting many impressive, secluded estates to choose from.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026
For many of these companies, Canada represents an important and accessible export market.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of accessible

Adjective

That fifth-place ranking was thanks to Texas’ lax COVID policies, which allowed the Rangers to sell more tickets.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Privacy advocates are particularly worried about long or lax retention periods that mean data is searchable for months or even years.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of lax

Adjective

Woven structures can combine several materials into forms that are soft, pliable and customizable, creating prospective applications in wearables, biomedical devices and aerospace.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Fazio wasn’t offering labor any leverage to make Lamont more generous or pliable.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of pliable

Adjective

Fernández’s theory is that Mark must have told the women the code to his safe in his pliant stupor.

— Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
In many ways, Trump is at the height of his power, surrounded by pliant leaders and able to count on a cohesive group of followers.

— Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026

Definition of pliant

Browse Nearby Words

permissions

permissive

permissiveness

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“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permissive. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of permissive

adjective

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