Definition of forbidnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forbid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of forbid are inhibit, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When would inhibit be a good substitute for forbid?

While in some cases nearly identical to forbid, inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

In what contexts can interdict take the place of forbid?

Although the words interdict and forbid have much in common, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When could prohibit be used to replace forbid?

While the synonyms prohibit and forbid are close in meaning, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 forbid Signs forbid disruptive phone calls in the common areas. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 The bill would specifically forbid practices that Black Bear, the Stars and other companies have used to monopolize and vertically integrate the youth sports experience in hockey and beyond, driving up costs for families and pricing out many kids. Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Just one year after a women's fencer was disqualified and punished for refusing to face a transgender opponent, a transgender competitor was forbidden from competition at the very same event. Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 The play begins with a forbidding thumping on a glass window outside a bare bones upstairs apartment where B lives a subsistence-level life with his mother. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for forbid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbid
Verb
  • The Mennonite faith doesn’t prohibit vaccines.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • The law limits how police can share plate data with out-of-state agencies, adds data retention rules and prohibits use of the systems for immigration enforcement.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Three sitting rooms are complemented by a further three members’ social spaces for carousing in, concealed behind a subtle screen (here, DJs including Goldierocks make appearances, and mobile snaps are banned; staff politely place a sticker over mobile camera lenses).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • Public libraries in 2025 navigated a year that saw the challenging, and banning of, thousands of books, stiffer budgetary limits and federal threats to funding.
    Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Some start in the 1800s, and others start post-1970 under the UNESCO framework that has outlawed the looting of cultural heritage across the world.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
  • In attempts to curtail abuse, some sought to practically outlaw body donation and research uses in Texas altogether in favor of funeral services for all.
    Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbid. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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