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 He would also be placed on the Columbia County Animal Cruelty Registry, which prohibits those from owning an animal for seven years. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Countries are prohibited from using force unless under attack per the United Nations charter. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 16 Sep. 2025 Swimming in the canals is prohibited for reasons of safety, public hygiene and to preserve the city's landscape. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025 Virginia term limits prohibit governors from serving consecutive terms, so there is no incumbent in the race. Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prohibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit
Verb
  • In several exchanges, Monarez also said that Kennedy forbade her from talking with CDC scientists as well as Congress members—despite their oversight role.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The judge also granted a pre-trial protective order for Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, meaning Robinson will be forbidden from contacting her.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order banning phones in her state, too.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The deadline for the popular app to find a non-Chinese buyer or be banned in the United States is September 17, after Trump extended it for the third time.
    AFP, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • No court has outlawed private-sector diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    Essence, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Last year, in response to some political parodies that used images created by artificial intelligence, including one that pilloried Vice President Kamala Harris, the Legislature passed and Newsom signed two measures to outlaw such tomfoolery.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

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