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 Themed outfits/attire may be prohibited during evening Halloween events. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Ending bounty programs and enforcing laws prohibiting shooting helped stop this. Tom Langen, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025 Days before the primary, the Department of Justice sued Wu and the city for its law prohibiting law enforcement from assisting federal officials with civil immigration enforcement. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints abandoned polygamy in 1890 and strictly prohibits it today. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prohibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit
Verb
  • Relatively few religions contain tenets forbidding vaccination.
    Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
  • If God forbid anything ever happened where an intruder comes into our school, our district doesn't lock up the phones.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There are caveats, however, and many sports teams around the state have policies explicitly banning the practice.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • However, multiple reports indicated that North Carolina’s general manager Michael Lombardi and pro liaison Frantzy Jourdain informed their own team last month that the scouts were banned.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reuters — Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament passed legislation outlawing conduct deemed to promote LGBTQ practices, introducing fines, prison sentences and sanctions for persons convicted, its justice minister said.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
  • In other words, the maps may have been outlawed — but their consequences are still being lived.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

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