1
as in to allow
to give permission for or to approve of
the school won't permit such an activity on its grounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to let
to give permission to
you are not permitted to swim at the town pond without a season pass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to enable
to make able or possible
we'll have our picnic on Thursday, weather permitting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to tolerate
to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference
the college permits way too much drinking, in my opinion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in patent
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 permit
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
As previously established, city code permits those, assuming riders aren’t operating them recklessly.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
The municipality said the bar’s owner obtained a permit to build a veranda in 2015 and also carried out interior work at the bar that did not require a permit.
—Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for permit
Verb
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment handles everything from permitting and licensing to incentives.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
As previously established, city code permits those, assuming riders aren’t operating them recklessly.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
Carmen Howard, the director of the Pueblo County Planning and Development Department, said by email Friday evening that the department had received Riverstone’s special use permit application.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
The municipality said the bar’s owner obtained a permit to build a veranda in 2015 and also carried out interior work at the bar that did not require a permit.
—Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for permit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permit
Verb
-
These platforms display prices and coverages side by side, allowing drivers to spot differences that may not be clear at first glance.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Making sure pan handles are turned outward, moving flammable towels and potholders away from open burners and not letting grease build up.—
Tina Patel,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fewer parts and smaller boosters could reduce costs and enable large-scale production.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
-
She’s particularly drawn to bags like this for the trolley sleeve, which securely attaches to a suitcase and enables hands-free travel.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The shed can tolerate up to 6 inches of snow, prevents rainwater from pooling, and has engineered air vents that ensure optimal ventilation inside.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
-
For families This is the rare wilderness lodge where kids aren't just tolerated—they're given the kind of freedom that barely exists anymore.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The team has already developed a basic blueprint for this substance and applied for a patent.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
In other words, competition and patent protection work in concert to drive innovation and economic growth.—
David J. Kappos,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Boston's David Pastrnak had an assist on Lindholm's goal to extend his scoring streak to four games, with four goals and four assists in that span.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
While past studies have shown that dairy products may have a protective effect against dementia, how specific dairy products affect cognitive health remains unclear.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Authorities said Sutton ignored multiple commands to comply and resisted detention.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The background checks on Cook, if in fact there were any, were totally ignored.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hurricanes catch a break Ole Miss gets into Miami territory on a couple big pass plays.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Cowan scored on a 2-on-1 rush off a pass from John Tavares, ending a wide-open extra period as the teams went up and down the ice and both goalies made sprawling saves to keep the game going.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Permit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permit. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
