PROHIBITIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

prohibitive

adjective

Definition of prohibitive

as in exorbitant

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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 prohibitive Healthcare insurance coverage or preventive care is a different story as the cost can be prohibitive for many. — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for prohibitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibitive

Adjective

Legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg explained that while Watson has hurt the Browns on the field with his play, his exorbitant contract has crippled the team's salary-cap flexibility.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
France’s own prime minister has warned that reneging on the national debt would force the country to borrow at exorbitant interest rates, just as the government must turn to the bond market to raise more than $360 billion this year.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of exorbitant

Adjective

The imposition of the tariffs stemmed from a breakdown in negotiations between the two countries in August, with each claiming the other side had unreasonable requests that would be detrimental to their respective country’s workers.

— Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2026
Drop one task that doesn’t need to happen today, and ask for clarification if a deadline feels unreasonable.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of unreasonable

Adjective

For some readers, the price of housing is playing a significant factor in making life unaffordable in the state.

— Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 29 Aug. 2026
That businesses should be part of the solution to unaffordable childcare, often cited as a barrier for parents getting to work.

— Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unaffordable

Adjective

Many tunnels are faster, safer and much more expensive for migrants who would otherwise face increasingly dangerous mountain and desert routes, experts said.

— Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
This device is undeniably the most capable iPhone ever, as well as the most expensive.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of expensive

Adjective

In recent days, the United States proposed new terms that were uneconomic, unfair and undermine the net benefits for Canada, and called into question the reliability of any deal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Chinese mega profits have almost been wiped out while production in Germany has become uneconomic.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of uneconomic

Adjective

But drops, penalties and turnovers repeatedly stalled FIU’s momentum and ultimately proved too costly to overcome.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Turning the park into an upscale golf course will mean costlier fees and a loss of public space, residents worry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of costly

Adjective

For people feeling strapped by steep costs, the 60/30/10 budget can offer a more forgiving framework to follow.

— Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of steep

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“Prohibitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibitive. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prohibitive

adjective

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