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

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 prohibit Tesla last November ended an unusual policy that prohibited U.S. leasing customers from buying their cars at lease-end. Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 16 May 2025 Driving Requirements and Job Postings: SB 5501 Senate Bill 5501 prohibits employers from requiring a driver’s license as a condition of employment unless driving is an essential function of the job or relates to a legitimate business purpose. Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Nelson, through a court spokesperson, also declined, saying judges were prohibited by ethical rules from discussing cases before the court or in media reports. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 Even prior to the court-packing plan, a series of cases challenging Roosevelt's plan to take the U.S. off the gold standard and prohibit payment of debts brought the country to the verge of a constitutional crisis. Scott Neuman, NPR, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prohibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit
Verb
  • An Illinois High School Association bylaw forbids that.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
  • For one, the law does not expressly forbid successive interim appointments.
    Charlie Savage, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • These ingested fluoride products are dispensed at safe doses by doctors and dentists to prevent tooth decay in children who are unable to get adequate fluoride doses from community water systems—something that may become more common as more states and cities remove or ban fluoride from their water.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
  • Braun signed an executive order in January banning DEI initiatives in state government.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • In November, her government outlawed lockboxes and megaphones in the city center.
    John Last, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
  • The proposed Section 4737 would outlaw any governing document restriction preventing replacement of fuel burning with electric heat pump heating or cooling equipment.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

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