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

For example, Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, including failing to honor refund promises or misrepresenting return procedures. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

And any ludicrously capacious bags (as Succession’s Tom Wambsgans called them) are prohibited during gala screenings. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026

Armstrong reported the directive explicitly classifies the approval of municipal ordinances as nonpartisan political activity — a category the directive does not prohibit military members from engaging in. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026

Under the new law, adoption and surrogacy if any party in the contract is a citizen or a resident of a foreign country of concern will be prohibited. —Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026