PROHIBITIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

prohibitive

adjective

Definition of prohibitive

as in exorbitant

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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 prohibitive The cost to view the fourth-ever WNBA matchup between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark from the upper deck — less than a week after the scintillating third meeting in Indianapolis — was not overly prohibitive. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Although not the prohibitive favorite in the SEC, the Tide are still College Football Playoff contenders and are itching for some payback. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 Any other year, Mensah would be a prohibitive favorite to win the Heisman. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Even if that was not the case, their asking prices — in most cases — would be prohibitive for KSDS, which is funded largely by the San Diego Community College District and through donations from listeners. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibitive

Adjective

The second-hand market, while lacking the personal touch some owners covet, can deliver the same craftsmanship as a new build without the years-long wait—or exorbitant price tag.

— Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The law helps level the playing field somewhat by letting candidates make their cases to voters who watch broadcast TV without needing to raise exorbitant sums of money.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of exorbitant

Adjective

For now, chocolate remains a luxury item and unaffordable for much of society.

— Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026
And if the underlying debt is valid but unaffordable, addressing it through an appropriate debt relief strategy could help resolve the bigger problem.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unaffordable

Adjective

During Parcells’ reign over the Dolphins, players who made a costly error on game day often showed up for work the next day to find out they were fired.

— Omar Kelly August 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
The floods will likely change that outlook, squeezing a country that’s heavily dependent on tourism while forcing a costly period of reconstruction.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of costly

Adjective

Experts recommend weighing luggage, packing TSA-compliant items, and skipping airport currency exchange counters and overpriced shops.

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026
However, new money is now buying a yield that’s well below historical highs and closer to a longer-term middle ground, while the P/FFO has wafted to just above 13—not wildly overpriced, but not discount territory either.

— Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of overpriced

Browse Nearby Words

prohibitions

prohibitive

prohibitory

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“Prohibitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibitive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prohibitive

adjective

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