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
This design allows for enhanced thermal stability and resistance to physical damage such as punctures.
—
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Multiple bills about this issue will be introduced this week and will go through the legislative process to allow for input from all stakeholders.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
If discriminatory practices are allowed for the benefit of minorities, they are also allowed to their detriment.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Global soccer’s affordability crisis FIFA’s apparent answer to the problem of rationing is allowing for a system that lets only the richest people have access.
—Stefan Szymanski, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Multiple bills about this issue will be introduced this week and will go through the legislative process to allow for input from all stakeholders.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
If discriminatory practices are allowed for the benefit of minorities, they are also allowed to their detriment.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Global soccer’s affordability crisis FIFA’s apparent answer to the problem of rationing is allowing for a system that lets only the richest people have access.
—Stefan Szymanski, The Conversation, 10 June 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 16 Jun. 2026.
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