PROHIBIT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prohibit

verb

prō-ˈhi-bət

Definition of prohibit next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 California has prohibited new drilling within 3,200 feet of these sensitive sites based on studies of the health harms of pollutants coming from oil and gas activity. —

Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026 Second, the levy was a massive increase in local real estate transfer taxes which, under the plain language of Proposition 13, are expressly prohibited. —

Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Feb. 2026 The service members are prohibited from wearing them for the ceremony. —

Lauren Hodges, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026 Local authorities may preemptively close certain areas and prohibit access. —

Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

Although sumo tournaments were permitted, teaching the sport in schools was forbidden, and occupation troops repurposed the Kokugikan as a skating rink.

— Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
For parents hoping to quell their kids’ social media use, Haidt would avoid giving them smartphones before high school and forbid social media use before the age of 16.

— Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026