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

Rules prohibit federal employees from soliciting or accepting gifts or items of monetary value greater than $20 if the gift is related to their government position. —ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

Suites in the building, however, have only one to three rooms and leases specifically prohibit subdivision of those spaces, according to the property owner, Kambiz Merabi. —Jason Henry, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026

If passed, the bill would implement consumer protections like prohibiting people under 21, allowing problem gamblers to self-exclude and capping maximum wagers. —Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026

Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson has sued the LPGA and USGA for its policies that prohibit biological males who underwent male puberty from competing in women's competition. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026