INTERDICT Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'interdict' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of interdict are forbid , inhibit , and prohibit . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

Q: When is 'forbid' a more appropriate choice than 'interdict'?

While in some cases nearly identical to interdict , forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected. // smoking is forbidden in the building

Q: When is it sensible to use 'inhibit' instead of 'interdict'?

Although the words inhibit and interdict have much in common, 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 'prohibit' take the place of 'interdict'?

In some situations, the words prohibit and interdict are roughly equivalent. However, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

interdict 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-tər-ˌdikt

Definition of interdict next

as in prohibition

an order that something not be done or used the church's controversial interdict against the use of birth control devices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

interdict

2 of 2

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈdikt

as in to prohibit

to order not to do or use or to be done or used the state legislature moved to interdict the use of radar-detection devices by motorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intercept

to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course federal agents are able to interdict only a small percentage of the narcotic shipments into the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interdict differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of interdict are forbid, inhibit, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than interdict?

While in some cases nearly identical to interdict, forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use inhibit instead of interdict?

Although the words inhibit and interdict have much in common, 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 prohibit take the place of interdict?

In some situations, the words prohibit and interdict are roughly equivalent. However, 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 interdict

Noun

Military officials say the combined strike group not only interdicts traffickers at sea but also provides the capacity to land Marines ashore, if ordered. —

Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 There are no restraining orders, injunctions or interdicts anywhere. —

Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024

Verb

The crew’s interdiction was hailed as a historic milestone under Operation Pacific Viper, which has averaged more than 1,600 pounds of cocaine interdicted daily since August 2025. —

Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025 These officials said blowing up boats instead of interdicting them will have a compound effect over time on the quality of intelligence. —

Ryan Lucas, NPR, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interdict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interdict

Noun

In 2014, the New York Times published a six-part series arguing for a repeal on the federal marijuana ban, comparing the government’s treatment of cannabis to the prohibition on alcohol in the 1920s.

— Elaine Mallon, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026
The repeal could include a prohibition on returning to that bloc system.

— Jennifer Lynn McCoy, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of prohibition

Browse Nearby Words

intercrosses

interdict

interdicted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Interdict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interdict. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of interdict

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on interdict

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

canoodle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Games & Quizzes