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
• sanction
• encourage
• promote
• indorse
• warrant
• support
• forward
• license
• advance
• cultivate
• further
• order
• nurture
• nourish
• tolerate
• bid
• endure
• abide
• command
• abet
• licence
• bear
• 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

Tailgating or consuming alcohol in the festival parking lot is prohibited and will be strictly enforced. —Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

Smoking of all kinds, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Scattering from the air: Florida doesn’t prohibit the scattering of ashes by air, but the Federal Aviation Administration has guidelines prohibiting the dropping of anything from a plane that could injure people below. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025

Despite Stoddard's request to keep the bear, state statute prohibits individuals involved in such incidents from claiming the animal to prevent unauthorized hunting. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025