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 Under North Carolina law, cities are prohibited from adopting sanctuary-style policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. —

Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026 In the case of the latter, Nexstar is still prohibited from installing its own company employees or officers. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 StubHub also operates under Florida’s ticket resale laws, which require clear disclosure of ticket costs and prohibit deceptive practices. —

Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026 Eventually, the crew member caught Ferrell vaping in the bathroom and informed him that it was strictly prohibited. —

Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

After decades of repression, a whole generation suddenly felt free to explore what had been forbidden.

— Andrew Durbin, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
Upending a delicate balance Our original Constitution refers to religion only in forbidding any religious test to hold public office.

— Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026