allow for
phrasal verb
allowed for; allowing for; allows for
1
: to think about or plan for (something that will or might happen in the future)
When purchasing property, the company should allow for possible future growth/expansion.
2
: to consider (something) when one makes a calculation
The total distance, allowing for detours, is about 10 miles.
If you allow for inflation, he's actually earning less money now than he was 10 years ago.
3
: to make (something) possible
The design of the system allows for easy upgrades.
Examples of allow for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Return from Egypt for Gaza residents will only be allowed for those who left Gaza during the course of the war, and only after prior security clearance by Israel.
—
Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Soft leggings or flowy stretch pants allow for movement, circulation, and comfort—whether you’re curled up trying to sleep or adjusting to changing cabin temperatures.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Clear skies and light winds will allow for strong radiational cooling.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 31 Jan. 2026
When the new farmers market is ready to go, staff anticipates that Overland Park Drive will be closed during the market along with a section of Marty Street during Saturdays to allow for additional vendors to locate in the street, according to the staff report.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Soft leggings or flowy stretch pants allow for movement, circulation, and comfort—whether you’re curled up trying to sleep or adjusting to changing cabin temperatures.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Clear skies and light winds will allow for strong radiational cooling.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 31 Jan. 2026
When the new farmers market is ready to go, staff anticipates that Overland Park Drive will be closed during the market along with a section of Marty Street during Saturdays to allow for additional vendors to locate in the street, according to the staff report.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
Cite this Entry
“Allow for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allow%20for. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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