Synonyms of prohibit

prohibit

verb

prō-ˈhi-bət 

as in to forbid

to order not to do or use or to be done or used

the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forbid
• ban
• outlaw
• prevent
• discourage
• stop
• enjoin
• proscribe
• exclude
• halt
• preclude
• bar
• deter
• restrain
• dissuade
• interdict
• curb
• quash
• suppress
• deprive
• impede
• inhibit
• disallow
• hinder
• repress
• reject
• quell
• rule out
• block
• subdue
• obstruct
• embargo
• veto
• shut out
• silence
• debar
• squelch
• crack down (on)
• repudiate
• check
• clamp down (on)
• put down
• crush
• squash
• snuff (out)
• rein (in)
• bridle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• allow
• let
• approve
• authorize
• suffer
• endorse
• encourage
• promote
• warrant
• support
• forward
• sanction
• license
• advance
• cultivate
• further
• order
• tolerate
• bid
• endure
• abide
• command
• nurture
• bear
• abet
• nourish
• countenance
• brook

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prohibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid, inhibit, and interdict. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

When can forbid be used instead of prohibit?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use inhibit instead of prohibit?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When could interdict be used to replace prohibit?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prohibit

Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, distinctive musical identity, and understanding of global trends, with AI use strictly prohibited. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Those arguments largely resonated with judge Stephen Lau, who said that six or seven days’ notice to move all of Williams’ belongings was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Zoloth noted that while bioethicists have a duty to reflect and raise questions, prohibiting science also has its risks. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

However, federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. — Reid Ribble, Time, 8 July 2026