allow for
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
The skirt’s front slit detail looks polished, while allowing for easy movement and extra breathability.
—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
5 July 2026
These substitutions allow for summer rituals and relaxation without alcohol's negative health impacts.
—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
The British monarch recently traveled to the United States for a state visit to Washington DC, New York and Virginia but a busy schedule didn’t allow for the King to see his son on the west coast.
—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
4 July 2026
In the 1940s, the widespread use of penicillin allowed for the treatment of diseases that were once fatal, including pneumonia, strep infections, wound infections and sepsis.
—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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.
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
5 July 2026
These substitutions allow for summer rituals and relaxation without alcohol's negative health impacts.
—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
The British monarch recently traveled to the United States for a state visit to Washington DC, New York and Virginia but a busy schedule didn’t allow for the King to see his son on the west coast.
—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
4 July 2026
In the 1940s, the widespread use of penicillin allowed for the treatment of diseases that were once fatal, including pneumonia, strep infections, wound infections and sepsis.
—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
