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
What was irrational in both cases was failing to allow for the opposite to be true.
—
Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Wind pollination is highly inefficient and self-pollination does not allow for evolution, so many plant species have evolved to entice and use insects and animals to pollinate themselves.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
Florida’s Supreme Court essentially shut down the state from labeling peaceful protesters as rioters, which would have allowed for a plethora of criminal charges.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
The surroundings allow for some more relaxed chatter away from the conference and exhibition floor.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Wind pollination is highly inefficient and self-pollination does not allow for evolution, so many plant species have evolved to entice and use insects and animals to pollinate themselves.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
Florida’s Supreme Court essentially shut down the state from labeling peaceful protesters as rioters, which would have allowed for a plethora of criminal charges.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
The surroundings allow for some more relaxed chatter away from the conference and exhibition floor.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 June 2025
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 17 Jun. 2025.
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