prohibitive

adjective

pro·​hib·​i·​tive prō-ˈhi-bə-tiv How to pronounce prohibitive (audio)
prə-
Synonyms of prohibitivenext
1
: tending to prohibit or restrain
2
: tending to preclude use or purchase
prohibitive costs
3
: almost certain to perform as predicted
a prohibitive favorite
prohibitively adverb
prohibitiveness noun

Examples of prohibitive in a Sentence

the prohibitive cost of rent
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.
The Italian is the prohibitive favorite to win the upcoming French Open where two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is out with a a wrist injury. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 Kirkland Grass-Fed Butter If stocking up on Kerrygold feels cost prohibitive, consider adding Kirkland’s Grass-Fed Butter to your cart. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 15 May 2026 Just a few short days ago the prohibitive favored at the Republican State Convention was 12-year former Mayor of New Britain Erin Stewart. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026 Some cities are well known for having high home buying costs, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is completely cost prohibitive to live there. Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibitive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Cite this Entry

“Prohibitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prohibitive. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

prohibitive

adjective
pro·​hib·​i·​tive prō-ˈhib-ət-iv How to pronounce prohibitive (audio)
: likely to discourage use or purchase
prohibitive prices
prohibitively adverb

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