FORBID Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

forbid

verb

fər-ˈbid

Definition of forbid next

as in to prohibit

to order not to do or use or to be done or used smoking is forbidden throughout the building we forbid you to see him

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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 While no formal rule of etiquette forbids lying to one’s friends and loved ones, the Bible has something to say about it. —

Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026 It was designed like a garden, and fences and plastic flowers in summer were forbidden. —

Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 Gone are most of the elements of the earlier plans, among them the berms that would have run along Biscayne Boulevard creating a walled park, a closed and forbidding space in a fearful city. —

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 Contact with the victims, including via third parties, is forbidden. —

Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forbid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbid

Verb

The city agreed, reducing maximum e-bike speeds to 15 mph on city trails, prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks and imposing penalties.

— Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The church, built on what is revered by many Christians as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection, remains closed under Israeli military guidelines prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026

Definition of prohibit

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forbears

forbid

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“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbid. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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