allowable

adjective

al·​low·​able ə-ˈlau̇-ə-bəl How to pronounce allowable (audio)
Synonyms of allowablenext
: permissible
allowable income tax deductions
allowably
ə-ˈlau̇-ə-blē How to pronounce allowable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of allowable

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Examples of allowable in a Sentence

international travel without a passport isn't allowable
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Suarez’ plan would reverse the existing incentives, restricting new hotel development to a height of 50 feet while upping the cap for residential to 75 feet, with a doubling of the allowable square footage in most places. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Miami’s skyline is rapidly changing, with a downtown skyscraper boom that was set in motion a decade ago after the Federal Aviation Authority began approving projects set at a new maximum allowable height of 1,049 feet. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 If enough assets exist, both the outstanding principal and any allowable accrued interest may be paid before remaining assets are distributed to heirs. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026 The trucking company that Gonzalez-Companioni was driving for, Hope Trans LLC, has a history of drivers being repeatedly cited for exceeding the number of allowable hours on the road, the Star-Telegram previously reported. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for allowable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alowable, allowable "proper, admissible," borrowed from Anglo-French alouable, from aluer, aloer "to accept as legally valid, permit" + -able -able — more at allow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allowable was in the 15th century

Rhymes for allowable

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Cite this Entry

“Allowable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allowable. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on allowable

Nglish: Translation of allowable for Spanish Speakers

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