1
as in to permit
to give permission for or to approve of
flash photography is not allowed inside the church
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to let
to give permission to
a boarding school that does not allow students to go on weekend trips without written permission
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tolerate
to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference
only a lazy gardener would allow the weeds to grow that high
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly
I'll allow I probably said more than I should have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to allot
to give as a share or portion
allowed each camper one match to light his fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to enable
to make able or possible
a patient's canceled appointment allowed the doctor to squeeze in a few extra phone calls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to reflect
to make a statement of one's opinion
he allowed that their new house looked very nice
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to think
chiefly Southern & Midland
to have as an opinion
people in these parts allow that everyone is entitled to one mistake in life, even if it's a doozy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in to intend
chiefly Southern & Midland
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I allow to go hunting before the season is over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of allow
During the 2024 regular season, Conerly allowed just four hurries, one hit and one sack, according to PFF, helping earn him first-team All-Big Ten honors.
—
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
California, Oregon and Washington have similar rules allowing vendors to help drivers install and remove chains.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
The two-year pilot (2025-2026) allows second-year enrollment pending compliance with state water rights permitting.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The wearable technology will allow researchers to generate dolphin-like sounds made up by A.I. to refer to specific items that dolphins enjoy, like seagrass or sargassum.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allow
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
California, Oregon and Washington have similar rules allowing vendors to help drivers install and remove chains.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
The two-year pilot (2025-2026) allows second-year enrollment pending compliance with state water rights permitting.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The wearable technology will allow researchers to generate dolphin-like sounds made up by A.I. to refer to specific items that dolphins enjoy, like seagrass or sargassum.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allow
Verb
-
If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Apr. 2025
-
His White House permitted the attorney general to say that the man’s wife and child are better off without Garcia.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The lawsuit states that Liberty was negligent in failing to mark the gas line, and that after hitting the gas line, the other three companies were negligent in letting the gas leak continue unchecked.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Konan’s lawyers say refusal-to-deliver cases are rare and letting her suit continue would not cripple the postal service.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Treat divergence not as something to tolerate but as a strategic asset.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some are bred to tolerate warmer or colder temperatures.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Davidson openly admits his adoration for Axe, leaning into these more sophisticated scents for everyday use, and soliciting advice to the next generation on how to build confidence while upgrading any younger guy's aesthetic.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The government admitted its mistake but has proven unwilling or unable to correct its error and effect Garcia’s return.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Last week, dozens of journalists were allotted 10-minute interviews with Wilmore and, separately, Suni Williams.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Be sure to allot two to three hours to explore each town.—
Haley Harrison,
AFAR Media,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Phishing attacks often attempt to get people to share personal information, like Social Security numbers, which enables criminals to access finances.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Archer Aviation Archer's efforts to secure what's called 'Type Certification' from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Midnight could enable the eVTOL company to operate out of major airports.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
There are only four units and the James mortgage reflects that.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Engaging residents in the planning process to ensure that development reflects community values and priorities.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The workshop acknowledges that people usually think of consent and boundaries in extreme terms.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The Browns must think otherwise to be taking him with a top 100 pick, but this one is hard to explain.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Allow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allow. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share